Airborne Dust from Mountaintop Mining Linked to Lung Cancer in Nearby Communities
Researchers from West Virginia University’s Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center have recently published findings that reveal a causal link between mountaintop mining operations and lung cancer rates in nearby residential neighborhoods. While it has long been speculated that abnormally high rates of lung cancer in mountaintop mining communities are attributable to poor air quality, there […]
Severe Form of Black Lung Returns to Threaten Appalachian Coal Miners
A severe incarnation of black lung disease, Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF), affects nearly ten-times more Appalachian coal miners today than it did in the 1970s. Recent data analysis from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has revealed that the potentially lethal effects of PMF are currently afflicting 3.2% of miners in the […]
What to Expect in a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Take Immediate Action in Filing for a Claim When preparing to file a claim or pursue a lawsuit for mesothelioma, it is important to remember that each state has a statute of limitations for filing. In West Virginia, individuals have two years from diagnosis to file a claim, or two years from death to file […]
Do I Have a Case For Mesothelioma
Have you been exposed to dangerous chemicals? Mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos can be a life-threatening and devastating condition. It can be difficult for patients to take legal action without working knowledge of toxic tort claims. With legal guidance from an experienced personal injury lawyer, you may be able to move your case forward with […]
West Virginia Railway Worker Brings Suit for Development of Rare Blood Disease After Chemical Exposure
Hartley Law Group, PLLC, along with Johnstone & Gabhart, recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a railway worker employed by Railserve, Inc. who developed a rare blood disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after being exposed to a number of chemicals while moving and loading railway cars at DuPont’s Belle Works in Kanawha County, West […]
VICTORY FOR INJURED WORKERS IN WV SUPREME COURT
Deborah Harris filed suit against CSX Transportation, Inc. asserting that her deceased husband’s work on the railroad, and particularly his exposure to diesel exhaust, caused his development of multiple myeloma and ultimate death. CSX moved to exclude Mrs. Harris’ expert witnesses, asserting that they did not follow a proper methodology and “good science” in concluding […]
Multimillion Dollar Verdict in Medical Negligence Case
Hartley Law Group attorney Mark R. Staun and co-counsel Kathryn R. Bayless of Princeton, West Virginia obtained a $2,222,847.87 verdict against Orthopedic Surgeon Walid Azzo, M.D. in the Circuit Court of Mercer Counter, West Virginia. The injured victim, Willie Havens, was treated with a short leg cast by Dr. Azzo for a simple non-displaced fracture […]
NIOSH Finds Fracking Workers Exposed to Excessive Silica Dust
Crystalline silica, which is found in most types of rock and becomes airborne as dust, has been associated with serious diseases for many years. As early as 1974, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated the available information on the health effects of silica, and described reports of the potentially fatal lung […]
R. Dean Hartley to Speak at National Benzene Conference
R. Dean Hartley, a frequent speaker on benzene and evidentiary issues, has been asked to speak at the upcoming Harris Martin National Benzene Litigation Conference to be held in Chicago on September 19 & 20, 2013. Dean’s topic will cover the practical aspects of intentional tort claims in the benzene setting including the interplay of […]
Ohio Family Files Lawsuit Against Nursing Home for Wrongful Death
Hartley Law Group recently filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit on behalf of an Ohio family in Marshall County, West Virginia Circuit Court as a result of the care a family member received at a local nursing home. During her residency at the nursing home, the decedent was allowed to develop wound infections, including infected […]
