Black Lung develops when a coal miner inhales coal dust. It falls into your lungs, constricting their air sacs so that they don’t expand normally and you can’t breathe normally. When your air sac is constricted, that’s called Restrictive Lung Disease.
The incidence of serious Black Lung has skyrocketed because the stone is releasing more silica in the pursuit of the coal. Silica is the insidious substance that causes damage in your lungs and the level of disease the disability occurring is much worse than it has been historically.
There are two programs that are available for individuals who are afflicted by Black Lung. There is a federal Black Lung Program, which administers claims under the Black Lung Benefit Act, and the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, which also provides coverage for occupational diseases, one of which is Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) – the fancy legal term medical term for Black Lung.
If you or a family member has been affected by Black Lung disease, you may be eligible for Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation benefits, including medical expenses and lost wages. If you become totally disabled or are an eligible dependent of someone who died due to Black Lung, you may also be eligible for compensation under federal law, including medical treatment and monthly payments.
if you are afflicted by Black Lung, give us a call at 888-534-6016 or contact us online. We know how to handle your Workers’ Compensation claim under Pennsylvania law and we have relationships to help you under Federal Black Lung Law.
