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Updated: 12:01 AM Apr 19, 2010
Law Firm Advertising to Represent Mine Disaster Families
Attorney Mark Underwood says he stands by his decision.
Posted: 11:54 PM Apr 18, 2010Reporter: Brooks Jarosz Email Address: brooks.jarosz@wsaz.com |
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16 Comments 
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- With tragedy comes an outpouring of support but an area law firm's way of helping is raising some eyebrows.
Underwood Law Firm wasted no time putting ads in local newspapers a week after the deadly blast killed 29 miners at Massey's Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County.
Attorney Mark Underwood says he stands by his decision; especially because he says benefit packages are often difficult to understand.
"I think it was perfect timing in light of the fact that Massey came out with a benefits package the very next day," Underwood said.
Underwood said his grandfather was killed in an industrial accident years ago. His family understands what happens following the funeral with emotions running high, and the daunting task of legal paperwork.
"The family members that would be considering those benefit packages need to seek some sort of legal counsel whether it's our firm, another firm, a friend or a neighbor that's a lawyer," Underwood said. "They need to go and sit down and talk to a lawyer before they agree to anything with Massey."
But how soon, is too soon? It's a question many people started asking as ads popped up before all the funerals had even been finished.
"The timing of this...was it the right thing to do immediately after the tragedy or before all the funerals had taken place or would it have been better to wait until later?" Patrick Gallagher said.
Gallagher is President and CEO of Charles-Ryan and Associates, a public relations firm.
"I would have counseled a client to wait because you have to balance it out with treading on the grief of families versus of course wanting to make sure they have proper representation," Gallagher said.
Mark Underwood says he wouldn't change the steps he took on the legal front.
"The first step is the investigation and the second step is sharing that investigation in an effort to answer the questions that these family members have," he said.
Those questions will someday be answered but never bring their loved ones back.
A Massey spokesperson says they're still working with the families involved in the disaster. The company did not want to comment on any claims alleged by area lawyers.
Massey Energy has been running its own ad reading "always in our hearts, in our memories and our prayers."
Latest Comments
I have dealt with this firm personally. They really care about the people of West Virginia and do not to see them exploited again. Massey by no means has any of the families in mind. Give youself a chance and talk to Mark Underwood. He and his staff is outstanding.
These negative posts are short sighted and ridiculous. Would you rather these families be taken advantage of by the very company who has caused them so much pain? The company probably would like nothing better than to have these families agree to a monetary package ASAP without representation. I would not be surprised if the company man was not behind many of these negative posts.
I cn't believe all these terrible posts. What is wrong with you people? I hope that I am never in this situation, but if I am, at least I would know where to turn. Good grief, give him a break.
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