CHARLESTON — A couple is suing Blue Creek Mining because of a work injury.
Blue Creek Mining, Flexible Steel Lacing Company and unknown and unnamed corporations were also named as defendants in the suit.
James Hinzman was employed by Blue Creek Mining from Aug. 2, 2016, until Oct. 21, 2020, when he was seriously and permanently injured, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
James Hinzman and Tabitha Hinzman claim the defendant intentionally exposed James Hinzman to injury because on Oct. 21, 2020, he was repairing a conveyor belt on a roll table that had torn completely apart and when the repair was complete, the plaintiff was positioning himself so that he could begin to remove a come-a-long that was used during the repair when the belt once against ripped and trapped James Hinzman's leg against the top roller structure.
James Hinzman's leg had to be amputated, according to the suit.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They are represented by J. Michael Ranson and Cynthia Ranson of Ranson Law Offices in Charleston; and G. Patrick Jacobs of Jacobs Law Office in Charleston.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 21-C-573