PINEVILLE – A Wyoming County couple is suing several mining companies, alleging they are to blame for the husband's lung disease.
Chad and Caitlin Wilcox, of Mullens, filed a lawsuit in Wyoming Circuit Court against Performance Coal Company, Marfork Coal Company Inc., Elk Run Coal Company, Massey Energy Company, Alpha Appalachia Services,Inc.; and all other involved parties, alleging negligent and illegal safety practices that led to Chad Wilcox's lung disease.
While working for the defendants, according to the complaint, Chad Wilcox acquired complicated pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by the inhalation of excessive levels of respirable coal and silica dust.
The plaintiffs allege the disease results from the lack of ventilation in the defendants' mines and the defendants' failure to meet other safety practices in accordance with the guidelines of the mandatory health standards for underground coal miners.
The plaintiffs demand financial compensation for past and future loss of wages.
Chad and Caitling Wilcox also seek payment for physical as well as emotional suffering and anguish, impairment and the loss of capacity to enjoy life and legal costs.
They are represented by attorneys Timothy C. Bailey and J. Ryan Stewart of Bucci, Bailey & Javins in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Warren R. McGraw.
Wyoming Circuit Court case number 15-C-145