Oilman’s Widow Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Anderson County

Clinton, TN (2011-09-29) The widow of a Scott County oilman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Knox Energy, LLC, the operator of an Anderson County oil and gas well, its affiliate company, and his employer, claiming the companies’ negligence led to the death of her husband last year.

Susan Vaden, on behalf of her three minor children, filed a wrongful death lawsuit last week in Anderson County Circuit Court claiming negligence by Knox Energy, LLC, CNX Gas Company, and Consol Energy, Inc, resulted in the death of her husband, Charles Conway Vaden, last September. In the 7-page complaint, Vaden alleges that Knox Energy and his employer, Consol, had knowledge of the hazards of the well and failed to adequately notify employees of the dangers. Furthermore, the suit contends the company’s failed to take the steps necessary to mitigate the dangers, citing the lack of adequate safety training, lack of proper and adequate equipment, lack of supervision, and lack of protection from subsurface pressures inherent in the oil and gas well business.

On September 23, 2010, Conway Vaden was allegedly performing work-related activities on a well in Anderson County when an explosion allegedly rocked the rig, resulting in pieces of the well striking him in the head. As result of the impact, Mr. Vaden allegedly sustained severe head trauma, including skull and facial fractures. Mr. Vaden reportedly survived the initial incident but succumb to his condition several hours later.

Vaden is seeking no less than $5 million in compensatory damages, along with another $5 million in punitive damages.