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CEO Faces Jail Time for Safety Violations That Led to Worker Deaths

It is rare for corporate executives to face criminal charges because of workplace safety violations. Unfortunately, the unlikelihood of a CEO being charged means that the threat of a criminal case does not prove an effective deterrent to discourage executives from cutting corners when it comes to workplace safety. As one recent case shows, even when a CEO is prosecuted in an egregious case, the penalties that are imposed may be relatively minor in comparison with the extent of harm the executive’s actions caused. Workers are the ones who suffer when executives fail to follow best practices for safety and allow or even mandate unsafe conditions in the workplace. When a worker is hurt on the job, he needs to talk with a New York workers’ compensation law firm to find out what benefits he or she can receive to minimize the financial losses and damages associated with an injury.

CEO Sentenced to Jail Time: But is the Penalty Enough?

Although it is unusual for a CEO to be charged with a crime, it can happen in some egregious cases. Safety News Alert reported on one recent situation in which the chief executive officer of a coal company, Massey Coal, was brought up on charges. The charges related to the deaths of 29 miners who were killed when an explosion occurred at an Upper Big Branch mine.  The explosion was prompted by the fact methane, coal dust, and other flammable gases had accumulated at the mine, as safety precautions were not taken to prevent this accumulation. The CEO was charged and ultimately found guilty because there was so much evidence of the hands-on role he had played in making decisions on worker safety. He had required progress reports every half hour and strongly encouraged managers to focus only on maximizing the production of coal rather than on making sure the mines were safe.  It is unusual for there to be so much proof that a CEO was so involved in day-to-day decisions on operations, which helped to make it possible to prosecute in this case. Because of the ample evidence in the CEO’s involvement in encouraging safety violations, he was actually convicted when he was tried. While he was acquitted on several charges of financial offenses that had been brought against him, he was found guilty of conspiring to violate mine safety. Unfortunately, this is a misdemeanor offense. While the CEO received the maximum penalty, he was sentenced only to a year in prison, a year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Many safety advocates were upset that the penalties were so light for taking actions that ultimately killed 29 people. The conviction at least sends a message that CEOs can be held accountable if their failures cause harm. However, the light sentencing may further limit the deterrent effect, since executives know they face a small chance of prosecution and a relatively lenient penalty even when safety risks lead to death. Workers need to know what their rights are as workplace safety violations continue, and they should consult with a workers’ compensation law firm for help making a claim if they’re harmed on the job. Contact Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff today for help with your case.

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April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
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Benjamin Roussey
19:03 29 Jun 23
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Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
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Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
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