Friday, August 5, 2011 marked the one-year anniversary of the Chilean mine cave in were 33 miners were trapped underground for over 60 days.

For the better part of two months, last year, the world watched fretted over the plight of the miners. Day-by-day and week-by-week we heard reports of the rescue efforts and speculation about the conditions within the mine. Then, in October 2010, we all watched with baited breath as one-by-one all 33 men were pulled, alive, from the mine. There were moments of triumph – Edison Pena ran six miles a day while trapped underground — and moments of comedy – Yonni Barrios was met by his wife and his mistress at the rescue site.  But throughout it all, the miners captured the world’s attention and sympathy.

Fast forward to one year later when three of the miners are doing marginally well, while the rest have plummeted into poverty.

Unable to find other work, many have returned to the mines despite lingering mental and physical health problems from the accident. And then there are those for whom the effects of the accident have made it impossible to work in the mines at all. Once cheered on by their countrymen, the miners are now largely ignored or vilified for making paid public appearances while simultaneously suing the Chilean government and the mine owners.

There is one small light at the end of the tunnel, however, Michael Medavoy purchased the rights to their story and may produce a movie. If the movie ever sees the light of day, the miners could get some of the proceeds

Metier Law Firm – Denver Accident Attorneys