Boone man sues over mining injury

CHARLESTON - A Boone County man has filed a suit against a local coal mine after he was injured in a Lincoln County mine.

Terry Collins filed the suit May 16 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Coal River Mining.

Collins was employed as a roof bolter operator/shuttle car operator at Coal River's Fork Creek Number 3 underground mine. His responsibilities included operating shuttle cars and the roof bolter machine.

On May 20, 2006, Collins was working in a continuous mining room and pillar section of the mine. According to the suit, Collins was holding a power cable to assist a scoop operator to get across the section when he was struck on the head and neck by a large rock, which fell from the mine roof.

Collins claims the mine had knowledge of rocks falling from the ceiling and had a duty to protect him from the rocks.

He suffered injuries to his neck, back and other body parts.

Sabrina Collins claims she has suffered the loss of her husband's affection and kindly services, and has otherwise been damaged.

Terry and Sabrina Collins seek compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney Brian Ooten is representing the Collins. The case has been assigned to Judge Jennifer Bailey Walker.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-956