Families of Mine Collapse Victims Plan To File Suit

Amy Rothschild

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The first lawsuit stemming from the August 2007 mine collapse disaster in Crandall Canyon is formally taking shape.
On January 23, 2008, notices of claims were sent to the Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power by attorneys for the surviving heirs of seven miners killed in a pair of mine-wall collapses - along with two miners injured in the ill-fated rescue effort. The notices state that these entities were negligent in failing to take measure to avert the disaster and that they both knew of the dangerous conditions that existed in the mines. No monetary damages were specified.

The IPA has 60 days to respond to the notice and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has 45 days to respond to the notice and accept responsibility. If they do not accept liability, lawsuits can be filed.

The notices are required when a lawsuit is about to be filed against a governmental entity. The notices, however, do not make reference to the Crandall Canyon mine operator, Utah-American Energy Inc. or its parent company, Murray Energy Corp. A Salt Lake City, Utah attorney who is representing 26 claimants stated, however, that action against Murray Energy Corp and others is likely in the future.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune that reported the story, he attorney for the victims' survivors said that the claims seek "justice for these families, to the extent you can do that with a lawsuit and compensation. Compensation is an imperfect way to get justice, but there isn't a better alternative because we can't turn back the hands of time and bring back their loved ones."