The Buffalo Creek Disaster: The Story of the Survivors' Unprecedented Lawsuit

About this book

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 Virginias 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 companys insurance offices a few hundred of the survivors banded together to sue. This is the story of their triumph over incredible odds and corporate irresponsibility as told by Gerald M. Stern who as a young lawyer and took on the case and won.From the Trade Paperback edition.