Injured Miner Sues for $24,300

Victor Anderson yesterday sued the Seattle Coal and Iron Company in the superior court to recover $24,300 damages on account of personal injuries he claims to have received while working in its mines at Gilman on November 20, 1891. The complaint alleges that Anderson went to work in the mines on July 1, 1891, and worked steadily up to November 20, the day of the accident. On that day he was set to work to extend an excavation in the side of one of the slopes of the mine for the purpose of placing a water tank. The roof of the excavation was loosened by the water and before he was aware of the danger it had fallen upon him. He states that his spine was dislocated and his lower limbs paralyzed by the accident. He claims that the company should have timbered the roof and so prevented the accident, and alleges negligence on its part. At the time of the accident he was 21 years old and thinks he was capable of earning $75 per month for the next thirty-eight years. He accordingly sues for $20,000 for loss of earnings and for loss of time and expense of medical attendance.