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UBB Mediation to Begin Friday

An attempt to mediate 18 wrongful death lawsuits related to the April 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster in Raleigh County will begin Friday at Glade Springs Resort.

Family members of victims of the blast, which killed 29 miners, originally filed lawsuits against Massey Energy Co.  Alpha Natural Resources inherited those cases when it bought out Massey.

At least three reports have blamed Massey's culture of production over safety for the deadly explosion.

New York attorney Michael Rozen will be one of three mediators who will work with families during the expected four days of discussion.  Rozen previously represented families of 9/11 victims.

Possible out-of-court settlements will be determined by calculating each miners' annual wages and multiplying it by his expected years of work until retirement.  The formula also includes punitive damages and a wide range of other variables.

It's unclear how many families are willing to settle and how many intend to go to court.

A number of families settled with Massey before Alpha bought the company.

Alpha has also been absolved of any criminal liability after a landmark $200 million deal with the U.S. Attorney's Office.  However, individuals who worked for Massey at the time of the explosion could still face federal charges.

An investigation is ongoing.

Web-link: http://www.wvmetronews.com/news.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=50172
Source: Metro News
Language: English