View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2009/02/23/98106.htm
The widow of a man killed during a cave-in at Revett Minerals’ copper and silver mine in Montana has filed a lawsuit against the company, seeking $18 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
Tammy Ivins served the lawsuit in February, claiming negligence on the part of mine management and a failure to provide a safe workplace. Her husband, 55-year-old Mike Ivins, was killed in July 2007, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration has ruled that he died because management failed to properly shore up the rock roof.
Mine owners have disputed the findings and say they look forward to an independent review of the accident by an administrative judge.
“At this stage, we are reviewing the lawsuit,” said Revett President and CEO John Shanahan, who declined further comment until company lawyers could assess the claims.
“Safety is so important to us,” Shanahan said. “This is dangerous work, but I think our overall safety record speaks for itself. Our priorities are productivity and safety, and one without the other just won’t cut it for us.”
Tom Lewis, an attorney for the Ivins family, did not return calls from the Missoulian.