The Buffalo Creek Disaster: How the Survivors of One of the Worst Disasters in Coal-mining History Brought Suit Against the Coal Company--and WonOne Saturday morning in February 1972, an impoundment dam owned by the Pittston Coal Company burst, sending a 130 million gallon, 25 foot tidal wave of water, sludge, and debris crashing into southern West Virginia's Buffalo Creek hollow. It was one of the deadliest floods in U.S. history. 125 people were killed instantly, more than 1,000 were injured, and over 4,000 were suddenly homeless. Instead of accepting the small settlements offered by the coal company's insurance offices, a few hundred of the survivors banded together to sue. This is the story of their triumph over incredible odds and corporate irresponsibility, as told by Gerald M. Stern, who as a young lawyer and took on the case and won. From the Trade Paperback edition. |
Contents
The Call for Help | 3 |
An Act of God | 11 |
When in Doubt Do the Right Thing | 19 |
Copyright | |
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agreed answer appear argued Arnold & Porter asked began begin Buffalo Creek disaster Buffalo Mining Company called caused Charleston claims coal coal companies complete corporate counsel County court damages Dasovich decided depositions Doctor documents fact federal feel feet felt figure filed finally firm flood give hearing hollow hoped injury Judge Hall jury knew later lawsuit lawyers learned letter lives Logan looked matter meeting mental Middle Fork million months motion never offer operation person Pittston plaintiffs president problem question refuse pile represent responsibility rule settle settlement side Spotte Staker story suffering survivors talk tell thing thought tion told trial tried turned Valley wanted Washington West Virginia wife witness York Zane