Working in Ohio’s coal industry is tough, physical work, and it comes with real risks. One of the most devastating accidents a miner can face is a crushing injury. Whether it’s from heavy machinery, falling equipment, or a collapse underground, these injuries can change a life in seconds, often leading to amputations, permanent disability, or even death.
If you or someone you love has been seriously hurt in a crushing accident at a coal mine or processing facility, you’re probably asking the same question many of our clients do: Can I sue? The answer depends on the details of your case, and at Harris Law, our job is to help you understand your rights and options.
What Causes Crushing Injuries in the Coal Industry?
Coal work relies on powerful, unforgiving machines and high-risk environments. Crushing accidents often involve:
- Continuous miners and longwall machines
- Shuttle cars and conveyors
- Roof collapses and wall failures
- Loaders, haul trucks, and other heavy vehicles
- Hydraulic presses and compacting systems
Many of these accidents happen because of:
- Broken or unguarded equipment
- Poor training or safety procedures
- Inadequate lighting or visibility
- Short staffing or supervisor negligence
- Skipping safety steps like lockout/tagout
The truth is, most crushing accidents are preventable. When safety is ignored, workers pay the price.
Workers’ Comp vs. Lawsuits in Ohio
After a workplace injury, most miners turn first to Ohio’s workers’ compensation system. Workers’ comp can cover medical care, partial lost wages, and some disability benefits—regardless of who was at fault.
But there’s a catch: in most cases, you can’t sue your employer for negligence if you’re already covered by workers’ comp. There are, however, important exceptions.
When You Might Still Be Able to Sue
1. Third-Party Negligence
If someone other than your employer caused or contributed to the accident, you may have a personal injury claim. For example:
- A manufacturer sold faulty or unsafe machinery
- A maintenance contractor failed to fix or secure equipment
- A safety inspector overlooked dangerous conditions
2. Third-Party Negligence
Ohio law makes a rare exception for cases where an employer intentionally created a dangerous situation—such as removing a safety guard from equipment—knowing it could cause serious injury.
What a Lawsuit Can Offer Beyond Workers’ Comp
A personal injury lawsuit can provide compensation workers’ comp doesn’t cover, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Full lost wages and future income
- Loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages for extreme misconduct
At Harris Law, we dig deep to find every possible source of recovery for our clients.
What to Do After a Crushing Injury
- Get medical help right away and follow your doctor’s instructions
- Report the injury in writing to your employer
- Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, if possible
- Write down names of witnesses and details about what happened
- Speak to an attorney before signing anything or agreeing to a settlement
Harris Law Can Help
We know the coal industry, and we know how hard it can be to stand up to powerful companies after an injury. We fight to make sure injured Ohio workers get the respect and compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been hurt in a crushing accident, schedule a consultation today to learn about your options.
