Coal mining accidents can seem like a relic of the past, but they still happen today. There are many causes for these accidents, from methane explosions to collapses, burns and falls. There are a number of dangers that miners know they’ll be exposed to, but the failure to provide the right equipment, to train miners adequately and to maintain the integrity of the cave or mine will likely lead to accidents that could have been prevented.

Victims of coal mining accidents have many concerns. Some may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly if they were trapped in the mine for an extended length of time. Serious injuries, when they’re suffered, can also be a burden to the individual. It’s likely that the miner has been in mining for his or her whole life, and it’s also likely that it’s been a part of the family’s history.

Losing the ability to do what you identify with can be traumatic. While you could be able to retrain for another job, that’s not always the case. If your injuries are bad enough, you may not be able to go back to work at all.

If you’re hurt on the job in a coal mine, you will have the right to workers’ compensation. This should provide you with medical care compensation as well as financial compensation for the time you’ve had to miss from work. If you’re not able to return to work, you may be able to seek further compensation through Social Security disability or other methods. Our website has more information on what you can do to get compensated after you’re injured in a coal mining accident.