Many West Virginia miners have to deal with hazardous situations on a daily basis. The Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training reported that one man died in a coal mining accident that occurred in Barbour County on Feb. 6. The accident took place at around 4 a.m. at the Sentinel mine operated by Wolf Run Mining LLC.

The worker, one of the mine’s electricians, was hit by a coal rib roll as he worked underground on a continuous mining machine; he was killed by the impact. The coal mine, which is owned by a larger corporation based in St. Louis, focuses on the production of high-volume metallurgical coal.

Politicians in the state issued statements responding to the miner’s death. Gov. Jim Justice sent prayers to the victim’s family, friends and co-workers, calling the death “heartbreaking.” U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin expressed his gratitude for the “unthinkable sacrifices” made by coal miners and their families on an ongoing basis for West Virginia, a state whose economy is so deeply connected to the mining industry.

Mining accidents can result in falls, collapses or impacts with fast-moving amounts of coal and metal being transported underground. Miners work in limited spaces in underground areas where the proper operation of ventilation systems is necessary to sustain life. Due to the inherently dangerous nature of many aspects of mining, workers are often at risk of serious injuries or even death.

However, in many cases, mining injuries occur due to the negligence of a company or operator. A personal injury lawyer can help injured workers pursue claims for medical bills, lost wages and other damages incurred as a result.