WILLIAMSON — A couple is suing Jet Coal Co. alleging it violated safety rules and caused injuries.
Donald Preece was employed by Jet Coal as a scoop operator and was injured on Feb. 21, 2019, according to a complaint filed in Mingo Circuit Court.
Preece claims the defendant had decided to reduce the mining height from 54 inches to 45 inches and in doing so, the scoop's operator visibility was restricted and limited, creating an unsafe working condition.
On that day, the scoop bounced and the unbolted operator seat slid out from under him and he fell backward, the complaint states.
Preece claims that then, when he was attempting to steady himself, his right elbow, hand and arm slipped and he was pinned by the scoop, suffering crushing injuties.
Preece claims he sustained pain and suffering, physical impairment, mental anguish and suffering, loss of wages and earning capacity and medical expenses.
Preece and his wife, Angela Preece are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. The couple is represented by J. Ryan Stewart of Bailey Javins & Carter in Charleston.
Mingo Circuit Court case number: 21-C-12
