Whether working underground or in surface operations, miners face many potential hazards while performing their job duties. Unfortunately, despite strict federal and state mining laws established to protect these workers, injuries and fatalities still occur each year. In many instances, proper safety precautions could have prevented these injuries. Below are some of the most common types of mining incidents reported to accident attorneys when a mine owner or operator is suspected of negligence. 

3 Leading Causes of Mining Accidents 

1. Mining Explosion 

Coal dust is an explosive material that can easily ignite if a mine isn’t properly ventilated. Mechanical errors, faulty equipment, and explosives that are used incorrectly due to lack of training may all trigger a mining explosion. Accident attorneys often see mine workers suffer from respiratory diseases, hearing loss, dismemberment, burns, and fatal injuries relating to these explosions. 

2. Defective Equipment

Equipment malfunction is another common type of accident in the mining industry. Faulty bulldozers, scoops, conveyor belts, and drills are some of the different kinds of equipment that can inflict injury or cause electrocution, explosions, and fires. Muscle and joint damage, crushing injuries, burns, and injection wounds leading to amputation are injuries miners frequently face after an accident involving defective equipment.  

3. Mining Collapse 

Mining collapses are prevalent causes of underground mine disasters. Precautionary measures to prevent such accidents and minimize potential geologic hazards should be taken when designing the layout of the mine. Inadequate supervision and lack of communication regarding safety procedures also contribute to mining collapses. Consequently, miners may endure brain and neck injuries, fractures, crushing injuries, or spinal cord damage.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a mining accident, you may be entitled to recover damages beyond workers’ compensation benefits. An accident attorney from Kidwell & Gallagher LTD can help explore your legal options. Based in Elko, the firm has been representing miners and their families throughout Nevada for nearly 20 years. They’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims and making sure they are awarded all the funds they deserve. Call (775) 738-1000 to consult a skilled accident attorney, or visit them online for more information on their long track record of success.