PINEVILLE - A maintenance worker and his wife are claiming an unsafe work environment caused him to suffer permanently disabling injuries, including a broken back.
Pineville residents Bobby G. Halsey and Janet Halsey filed a lawsuit Oct. 4 in the Circuit Court of Wyoming County against Black Bear Processing LLC and Janmar LLC, citing recklessness and negligence.
The plaintiffs claim Bobby Halsey was working for Black Bear Processing at its coal preparation facility on May 6, 2012, when he was struck in the head and back by an improperly secured 12-foot pipe, causing a broken back, concussion and six broken teeth.
The plaintiffs claim the defendants failed to provide a safe work environment, failed to ensure a nightly inspection the evening prior to the accident and failed to provide an onsite supervisor when Halsey's shift began.
The plaintiffs are suing for an undetermined amount of relief. They are being represented by Charleston attorney Bernard E. Layne III.
Circuit Court of Wyoming County Case No. 13-C-145
Lawsuit: Pipe at coal preparation facility broke six teeth, back
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