The Buffalo Creek Disaster
Upon completion of the book The Buffalo Creek Disaster, please write a 1,800 – 2,000-word paper discussing what you read, along with the issues that existed in this case, and the process that took place in order for the dispute to be resolved through our judicial system. You will want to make sure that you address at minimum each of the following questions in your paper. Please do not just simply answer these questions; you are to use them as a guide in writing your paper. This paper is worth a maximum of 60 points. Part One 1. What were the actual facts which gave rise to the Buffalo Creek Disaster? 2. What was the relationship between Buffalo Creek Mining Company and Pittston Co.? 3. Was this lawsuit proper in West Virginia? In a Federal Court? What difference did it make whether the case ended up in Federal or State court? 4. Explain the meaning of diversity jurisdiction. Why was the corporate veil issue so important? 5. Make sure to take note and write about the discussion of depositions, damages, and mental suffering. Part Two 6. What was the nature of the insurance issues faced by Pittston? 7. How did the corporate veil and mental suffering issues resolve themselves? 8. Make sure to take special notes and write about the discussion of discover; interrogatories, depositions, documents, and examinations. Part Three 9. What is the importance of the ambulance-chasing issue? 10. What is the issue in the Davis and Monteleone case? 11. What took place during the settlement phase of the case? 12. Why was proving that Buffalo Creek Mining was reckless and wanton an important issue? 13. What was the actual settlement agreement? 14. Do you believe the settlement agreement was fair, just, and equitable?