Mingo man sues mining company for injuries

CHARLESTON - A Mingo County man has filed a suit against a coal mining company after he was injured while on the job site.

John and Sharon Hall filed the suit March 21 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Rockspring Development. Also named as defendants in the suit are Foundation American Coal Holdings, NewEagle Industries, NewEagle Mining and NewEagle Development.

John Hall was a roof bolt operator at the Rockspring Development, Inc., Camp Creek No. 1 underground mine in East Lynn in Wayne County. On Aug. 10, 2005, Hall was working in the Camp Creek mine, in a section known for unstable roof conditions, the suit says. A crosscut was being made, and the suit says the cut was in violation of common mining laws.

Hall was supposed to be installing permanent roof supports in the crosscut area.

"While (Hall) was putting up an inside bolt in the third row a roof rock broke loose in between canopy and T-bar," the complaint states. "The rock broke when it hit the canopy and part of the rock fell hitting him in the back and legs."

As a result of the rock breaking, Hall suffered a broken right leg and left foot and now suffers anxiety depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The suit says Rockspring violated state Code by allowing Hall to be in an area contrary to mandatory state and federal mine safety regulations. The suit says the defendants also caused an unsafe workplace.

The suit says Sharon Hall has been deprived of the loss of society, companionship and consortium of her husband.

The Halls seek compensatory damages, plus court fees.

J. Kristofer Cormany is the Halls' attorney in the case, which has been assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-504