Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Coal Mining Subsidence Claims Lawyer
If you live in Southwestern, Pennsylvania, you are likely familiar with "longwall mining." This method of mining coal is used in the tri-state coal mining region and unlike conventional room and pillar and retreat mining, involves the full extraction of the coal seam, which always causes severe subsidence of the overlying surface Strata. This settling can in turn cause significant damage to homes and other structures on the affected land and loss of water supplies.
Long wall mining removes large portions of a coal seam in panels hundreds of feet wide by thousands of feet long causing ground movement and strata displacement over massive areas and disrupts groundwater flow creating cracks or fractures as the surface slumps into the void left after the coal is removed. These cracks can continue through roads, driveways, buildings and utility lines and alter the course and flow of streams. Conventional room and pillar mining removes coal but leaves pillars (columns) of the coal seam for the support of the overlying surface land. Room and pillar mining, as well as longwall mining, can alter groundwater flow and affect wells and springs fed by adjacent aquifers.
Under Pennsylvania law, Land owners whose property has been damaged by coal mining subsidence have limited rights to redress their claim in a court. Rather, the state legislative established a regulatory procedure for property owners to recover for coal mining subsidence damage to their property. Under this law, property owners must attempt to negotiate a settlement with the offending company for the restoration or replacement of their damaged homes and for loss, diminished or contaminated water supplies; if the parties cannot agree, the property owner may submit a claim to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (DEP). The burden may be on the property owner to prove that the mining caused the damage -the often mining companies will claim that the damage existed before they started mining under or near the damaged property.For this reason, it is critical that you properly document the condition of your property before the subsidence occurs. If you contact Attorney Saxton before the mining starts, he will enlist the help of a team of professionals, including mining and structural engineers and hydrologists, to help evaluate and document the condition of your property. This way, if the mining causes subsidence to your property, you will be able to show that the mining did, in fact, cause the damage to your property.
Your property may already be affected by coal mining subsidence or you have learned that a mining company is about to start digging in your area. To be compensated for damage to your property, or to protect your property value, speak to an attorney who is familiar with coal mining subsidence claims. Contact the Law Offices of Donald D. Saxton, Jr. today to learn more about your rights.
If your home or business is within a planned mining zone, we urge you to act quickly to protect your property. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about how we can you help protect your property rights.
Attorney Donald D. Saxton, Jr. has a wealth of experience handling coal mining subsidence claims and represents property owners in property damage claims against coal mining companies.
If your home or business is within a planned mining zone, we urge you to act quickly to protect your property. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about how we can help protect your rights.
Law Offices of Donald D. Saxton, Jr.
154 A Morganza Road
Canonsburg, PA 15317
