BECKLEY — A widow is suing a group of energy and coal companies, alleging her husband's death was the result of their negligence.
Wilma L. Adkins, individually and in her capacity as the administratrix of the estate of James R. Adkins, filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia against Contura Energy Inc.; Alpha Appalachian Services LLC, fka Massey Coal Services Inc.; Marfork Coal Co. LLC; and Maxxim Shared Services LLC.
The suit that the plaintiff was a miner assigned to work at Horse Creek Eagle Mine controlled by the defendants. On Oct. 23, 2017, the plaintiff reported to work and was killed that day. A beltline allegedly was activated without the plaintiff being warned and he was thrown onto the belt. The defendant had reportedly failed to place emergency pull cords on the belt. The suit states the plaintiff was caused to die as a result of the incident as he was pulled along the belt for 7.2 miles and eventually fell hundreds of feet.
The defendant is accused of deliberate intent, negligence, loss of consortium and wrongful death.
The plaintiff is seeking all reasonable sums due, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiff is represented by David Bosak of Bailey, Javins & Carter in Charleston.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia case number 5:19-CV-0222
