Although coal plants provide a significant amount of our electricity, these plants contain hazardous materials and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery that can cause an accident, especially when plant workers’ or operators’ negligence becomes involved. If you suffered losses due to a coal plant accident, whether as a worker injured on the job or as a nearby property owner or worker, you need experienced legal advocacy to stand up for your rights and interests. A North Dakota personal injury lawyer can help you pursue financial recovery for ongoing and future harm.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., has offered high-quality representation and client service to people across North Dakota for over a century. Over the years, we’ve handled some of the state’s most complex cases, giving us the experience and insight to represent clients in challenging accident claims involving coal plants. Contact us for a free initial case evaluation with an experienced coal plant accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
Common Types and Causes of Coal Plant Accidents
The dangerous materials and machinery that fill a coal plant can put workers and others at risk of catastrophic accidents, such as:
- Fires and explosions
- Toxic exposure
- Environmental contamination
- Machinery accidents and entanglements
- Falls
- Crush accidents, including struck-by and struck-against accidents
- Electrocutions
Accidents at coal plants may have a variety of complex causes and contributing factors. These may include violations of federal regulations enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some of the top causes of coal plant accidents include:
- Improper storage of flammable or toxic materials
- Inadequate fire suppression equipment or air filtration systems
- Excessive power generation
- Exposed electrical wires or power lines
- Inadequate maintenance of power plant equipment
- Outdated safety equipment
- Inadequate environmental containment equipment
- Lack of safety procedures, worker training, or enforcement of a safety culture
- Worker negligence, including fatigue, distractions, and impairment
- Defective equipment or machinery
- Lack of safety equipment or PPE
Steps to Take After a Coal Plant Accident
When you’ve experienced injuries in a coal plant accident, taking prompt action can protect your rights and options to seek financial recovery. Steps to take after a coal plant accident include:
- Promptly report your injuries to your supervisor or employer
- Seek immediate medical attention to identify any injuries or illnesses caused by the accident
- Follow your treatment plan and medical restrictions, and do not defer seeking medical attention or undergoing treatment or rehabilitation for your injuries
- Obtain records of your medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Keep your bills, invoices, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses you incur for medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Gather copies of pay stubs or income statements to confirm your income loss if you need to take time off work
Finally, contact a coal plant accident lawyer from Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., as soon as possible to discuss your options for pursuing compensation from the parties at fault for causing the accident.
Options for Financial Recovery Following Coal Plant Accidents
Coal plant workers who suffer injuries or occupational illnesses due to a workplace accident may have the right to recover workers’ compensation benefits. In North Dakota, the workers’ compensation system can provide financial benefits and services such as:
- Medical Benefits – Workers’ comp covers the cost of reasonable and necessary treatment, rehabilitation, medication, or durable medical equipment needed for work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Personal Expense Reimbursement – Workers’ comp also provides financial compensation for transportation, meals, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred while obtaining medical care.
- Wage Loss Benefits – The workers’ comp system partially reimburses workers for lost wages due to missed work or reduced earnings while under medical restrictions during treatment or rehabilitation. These benefits can continue if they become permanently disabled.
- Permanent Partial Impairment Benefits – Workers who suffer a permanent physical loss of a body part or function because of work injury or occupational disease may receive financial payments.
- Return-to-Work Services – Workers’ compensation can provide injured or partially disabled coal plant workers with services such as nurse/vocational case management, behavioral/financial health services, job retraining, preferred worker programs, and work search assistance.
- Death Benefits – Families of coal plant workers who pass away due to work injuries and occupational diseases can receive financial contributions for funeral expenses and survivors’ benefit payments.
Bystanders or residents living near a coal plant accident site may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the parties responsible for the accident. They may be able to recover compensation for financial and personal losses such as:
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Long-term medical or environmental monitoring after toxic exposure or environmental contamination
- Costs of long-term disability care, including home health services, housekeeping assistance, or installation of disability accommodations at home
- Costs of repair or replacement of property damaged by a coal plant accident
- Lost income from missing work during recovery from injuries or illnesses
- Lost future earning capacity caused by permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life due to disabilities, chronic illness, or reduced life expectancy
How Long Do You Have to File a Coal Plant Accident Claim?
Under North Dakota law, coal plant workers who suffer injuries or develop occupational diseases due to workplace accidents typically have one year to claim workers’ compensation benefits through North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance, the state’s workers’ comp agency. Coal plant accident victims with personal injury or property claims typically have six years to file a lawsuit under North Dakota’s statute of limitations. Because you have limited time to seek compensation for your losses, talk to a coal plant accident attorney from Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., as soon as possible to discuss your claim.
Contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., to Discuss Your Legal Options for Seeking Compensation and Justice
If you’ve suffered life-altering injuries or long-term health conditions or sustained damage to your property due to a coal plant accident, an experienced North Dakota personal injury from Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. can manage your insurance and legal processes while you focus on healing. Contact us today to discuss your situation in a free initial consultation.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Minot, Fargo, Bismarck, Williston, Rugby, Devils Lake, Jamestown, and the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal assistance and guidance to those facing the complex challenges that arise from these incidents.
