Attorney wants Darby Fine to Go to Kentucky Families

October 3, 2008

A Kentucky attorney is asking the federal government to give the families of five Harlan County coal miners who died as a result of an underground explosion the proceeds from a $342,000 fine levied against Kentucky Darby LLC.

The Harlan Daily Enterprise reported Oct. 1 that Lexington attorney Tony Oppegard made the request to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration. He also wants the sole survivor and his family to receive a portion of the fine.

Spokeswoman Amy Louviere said the agency doesn’t have legal authority to grant Oppegard’s request. Louviere said fines paid by mine operators go directly to the U.S. Treasury.

Kentucky Darby has until Oct. 19 to pay the fine.

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Information from: Harlan Daily Enterprise,
http://www.harlandaily.com