Boone suit blames coal company for amputated leg

MADISON - A personal injury suit in Boone Circuit Court claims an unsupported roof in an Elk Run Coal Co. mine cause Clyde P. Holsten to lose his leg.

Attorneys of Ranson Law Offices in Charleston brought Holsten's suit Jan. 14 against Elk Run and parent company Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.

Holsten was employed by Elk Run from Jan. 1, 2003, until Jan. 29, 2011, the complaint says, when injured by a "rib roll on an improperly supported roof." According to Holsten, he was working in the mine's No. 2 pillar section that day. As he and a miner helper checked a leaking boom swing hose, a rib rolled and struck his lower left leg, he says.

The contends the coal company knew of the specific unsafe working condition, which violated state or federal safety regulations. Holsten expended large sums of money for medical and hospital treatment, the suit says, including leg amputation and he requires future care because his injuries are permanent and lasting.

Jury trial before Judge William S. Thompson will demand compensatory, general and punitive damages, along with litigation costs and any other relief the Court finds allowable by law.

Case number 13-C-3