First, we could never say enough to express our sorrow at the horrible loss each of you have suffered. It is unimaginable for most people to understand the loss and betrayal you feel. You may feel that you and your loved ones have been taken advantage of by the mining company or its officials. Sadly, there may be others who want to take advantage of you too. Having been involved in the Sago and Aracoma cases, I can tell you that out of state law firms with little or no experience at all in mining cases are no doubt flocking to your communities to get you to sign as their clients. Beware of those firms and their representatives. You should be very clear with them and demand that they provide you with a West Virginia Bar Identification Number which shows that they actually are licensed to practice in our state.
Next, you should demand that they have actual experience in mining cases. Ask for their website addresses and references for other coal miners or families of coal miners they have represented. Finally, you or family members who know and understand mining terminology should probe to see if these persons have any idea of the terms and words used in every day mining.
You will quickly be able to discern the profiteers who have come to our State and your community with no idea of how to actually help you. Finally, you need to understand that even if you have signed an agreement with one of these firms and find out later that they are indeed not experienced in mining litigation, you have a right to end the relationship with that firm and hire counsel actually competent to prosecute a case against a major coal company.
Timothy C. Bailey
