MOUNDSVILLE — A Belmont County couple is suing Murray Energy Corporation and Murray American Energy, Inc., doing business as The Ohio County Coal Company, alleging failure to warn, liability and negligence.
Martin D. Shunk and Jacquelyn Shunk filed a complaint in Marshall Circuit Court against the defendants, alleging that they failed their duty to keep the Ohio County Mine in a reasonably safe condition.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on Oct. 3, 2017, Martin Shunk was working in the Ohio County Mine installing roof bolts when a rock from the mine's roof fell on his leg, causing serious injuries and ultimately leading to the leg being amputated.
The couple claims the accident was due to the defendants' alleged non-compliance with its roof-control plan, including operating a roof-bolting machine from left-side controls, when the sequence requires the right-side controls to be used; and failing to use proper safety equipment on the roof while it was being bolted.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to warn Martin Shunk of the hazards associated with the installation of roof bolts with the defendants' No. 15 Fletcher single-head bolter
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury; and seek a judgment for an amount to fully compensate for all damages, along with costs, expenses, attorneys' fees incurred, pre- and post-judgment interest, and any such other relief as the court deems proper. They are represented by J. Zachary Zatezalo of Bordas & Bordas PLLC in Wheeling.
Marshall Circuit Court case number 18-C-76
