Massey faces more lawsuits from W.Va. explosion

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Massey Energy Co. says it is facing more lawsuits filed by miners and the families of miners killed in the Upper Big Branch mine explosion last year.

The Richmond, Va.-based mining company said in a regulatory filing Tuesday that the number of wrongful death suits has risen to 13. The company says it also faces lawsuits filed by four employees who claim they were hurt or suffered emotional distress as a result of the explosion on April 5, 2010.

The Securities and Exchange Commission document says eight families have settled and five have won court approval.

Settlements to date total $78 million, which Massey says it expects to recover from insurance.

The explosion killed 29 miners and seriously injured two others. It remains the subject of criminal and civil investigations.