On April 5, 2010, an explosion occurred at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, killing all but two of the miners that were at the site. Hailed as the worst mining accident in the United States since 1970, the Mine Health and Safety Administration determined that the cause of the explosion was due to flagrant safety violations on the part of Massey Energy. Over 350 citations were issued, leading to over $10.8 million in penalties. In addition, the former CEO of Massey Energy, Don Blankenship, was charged with conspiring to violate health and safety standards at Upper Big Branch Mine and lying to federal financial regulators about the safety measures employed in the blast that killed the miners.
Why seek a gag order in this case?
Recently, Blankenship informed a judge that he wants his criminal trial delayed for at least a year and his federal criminal case moved. He claims that he is unable to get a fair trial in West Virginia as a result of the negative publicity surrounding his involvement in the explosion. In addition, Blankenship seeks a gag order in the case, preventing news organizations from accessing the details shared in the courtroom. A gag order will further seal the court filings and prevent anyone involved in the case from speaking with the media or releasing court documents related to the case at all.
Attorney Sean P. McGinley, of DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC explains that the case has been extensively covered in the media for years. Prohibiting the media from accessing the public trial prevents the ability for free speech and for journalists to do their job. It is also the standard responsibility of the jury to prevent the media from swaying their eventual decision, and since the media coverage has been so in-depth over the past four years, its influence on the jurors should be addressed beforehand.
For more information regarding the Upper Big Branch Explosion case, follow these links:
- West Virginia Public Broadcasting
- Logan Banner
- The Register-Herald
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Charleston Gazette
- Corporate Crime Reporter
- NPR
- TribLIVE
- WOWK-TV
- Bluefield Daily Telegraph
An experienced trial and appellate lawyer, Attorney McGinley represents those that have been injured in vehicle and industrial accidents across the state. Call our firm today to discuss how one of our experienced attorneys can be an asset to your case and get started right away.
