Work Injury Lawyers Representing Miners

Historically, mining has always been a dangerous industry. Although the development of modern technology has caused miner deaths to steadily decline throughout the 20th century, these brave laborers are still more than six times more likely to die than the average of workers in all other industries. Additionally, they are at risk of contracting various occupational diseases after years of exposure to hazardous materials.

Miners are aware of the dangers they face each shift, but they do what they need to do in order to support their families. When miners get injured or contract occupational diseases, it's important that they're financially compensated while they're out of work. The Worker's Compensation law is intended to provide these injured workers with financial assistance for medical expenses and lost wages.

What Does Workers' Comp Provide?

Workers' Compensation is designed to keep injured employees financially stable while they're out of work. Virtually every worker is entitled to file a claim after an injury which affects their ability to do their job. It doesn't matter if the accident was the employee's own fault, as long as it wasn't intentional.

If a claim is accepted, the employee will receive financial compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. In exchange for this guaranteed coverage, employers are protected from lawsuits, even if their negligence causes an injury.

Workers' Comp is a great safety net when it works the way it's intended. However, there are many instances where claims get denied, or where injuries are severe enough that Workers' Compensation alone is insufficient compensation. In these cases, it's usually wise to have an experienced work injury lawyer by your side in order to receive the fair compensation you deserve.

How Do Lawyers Help Injured Miners?

While the law does require employers to provide Workers' Comp insurance for all employees, that doesn't mean all workers receive the benefits they deserve after an injury. Employers may dispute your claim and their insurance representatives will likely look for reasons to deny coverage. This is how insurance companies make their money - by finding ways to avoid making payouts.

When it comes to the Workers' Comp process, our knowledgeable work injury lawyers have seen it all. We're familiar with the strategies of employers and their insurance carriers and we know how to respond to efforts to deny claims. We also know what the Workers' Comp Board is looking for, so we're highly skilled in helping our clients provide all required evidence by specified deadlines. If a claim has already been denied, we're well-versed in the appeals process and know how to get claims through in a timely manner.

Additionally, our lawyers evaluate work injury cases for potential additional forms of compensation, such as personal injury claims or Social Security Disability. It's important to turn over every rock in order to recover full compensation for injured workers.

Common Injuries And Illnesses

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several common conditions which frequently result in time missed from work for miners:

• Sprains, strains, and tears
• Fractures
• Bruises and contusions
• Chronic back pain
• Chronic pain in knees, ankles, and feet
• Chronic pain in the arms, hands, and fingers
• Respiratory illnesses (i.e. black lung, silicosis)

Any injury or illness which can be attributed to your working environment qualifies for benefits. If you're suffering from any of these conditions or another injury or illness, you should consider speaking with a lawyer who specializes in work injuries.

What Benefits Should I Seek?

If you or a loved one has been injured or even killed in a mining accident, you may feel overwhelmed about what to do next. All injuries and illnesses contracted during work qualify for Workers' Comp if it's affected your ability to return to work. But in some cases, more severe injuries qualify for Social Security Disability. Occasionally, a personal injury suit may be necessary - such as if a defective piece of equipment caused your injury.

It's important to do your own research, but speaking with a lawyer is the only real way to determine the best compensation plan for your situation. Our experienced work injury lawyers have helped workers in all industries receive the maximum compensation they were entitled to. We're prepared to evaluate your case in a free consultation before we come up with a plan of action, and we'll only ask for payment after we win compensation for you.

Learn More

• Detailed overview of the Workers' Compensation system
• How to get fair compensation for a workplace toxic exposure-related illness
• How workplaces with excessive noise cause hearing loss