Roof Bolter Sues Employers, Mining Equipment Makers for Silica Injuries

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A West Virginia miner has sued his former employers and several mining equipment manufacturers for failing to take appropriate action that he claims would have prevented him from developing silicosis. Polk v. Brooks Run Mining Company, et al., No. 04-C-650 (W.Va. Cir. Ct., Kanawha Cty.).

Dennis and Marilu Polk filed a lawsuit March 19 in Kanawha County Circuit Court, alleging that during the time Dennis Polk worked in the underground mining industry, he was exposed to silica in conditions that failed to meet state and federal safety standards.

Polk was employed as a roof bolter for more …