GAFTON -- A Monongaila County mine worker is suing his former company, alleging he was unfairly terminated after reporting safety concerns.
Kenneth E. Richards filed a lawsuit Oct. 10 in Taylor Circuit Court against ICG Tygart Valley of Charleston and Larry Gore of Morgantown, alleging he was unlawfully terminated after raising questions about safety concerns at the business.
According to the complaint, in September 2013, Richards was employed as a belt examiner at ICG's Lerre Mine location in Taylor County when he notified his foreman, Larry Gore, of certain unsafe practices being forced upon him by he superiors. The suit says Richards was then transferred to a different position for which he was not properly trained, and then was terminated for not properly performing his job duties.
The plaintiff alleges his termination is unfounded and in violation of West Virginia Public Policy.
Richards seeks compensatory and punitive damages as deemed fit by jury, pre- and post-judgement interest, attorney fees, costs and such further relief as the court deems fit. He is represented by attorneys Stephen B. Farmer and Matthew H. Nelson of Farmer, Cline & Campbell in Morgantown.
Taylor Circuit Court case number 15-C-60.
