The Buffalo Creek Disaster: How the survivors of one of the worst disasters in coal-mining history brought s uit against the coal company--and won

Gerald M. Stern

Jan 2011 · Sold by Vintage

About this ebook

The "suspenseful and completely absorbing story" (San Francisco Chronicle) of how survivors of the worst coal-mining disaster in history triumphed over corporate irresponsibility—written by the young lawyer who took on their case and won.

One 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. 

Ratings and reviews

This book was a very good read. It was used in an environmental law class and worth the time for sure. It takes you through the trial and into the personal stories of the people experiencing this tragedy.

I loved this legal drama/thriller. It focuses on how the author helped the victims and the legal challenges they faced, rather than simply glorifying tragedy.

Today is anniversary!

About the author

GERALD M. STERN is a Counselmen at Phillips & Cohen LLP, a practice is devoted exclusively to representing whistleblowers in qui tam lawsuits. He graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School before beginning his legal career in Washington.