Cost of Black Lung Disease

Nobody denies that black lung disease is an occupational disease which coal miners are exposed to.

But what they deny is who should be liable to pay for it.

Both Senator Robert Byrd and the United Mine Workers of America want to make changes in the federal black lung benefits program as part of the still to be decided healthcare bill.

Currently, miners must prove that black lung disease is a significant contributor to their disability in order to receive black lung benefits. Widows of coal miners have to reapply for benefits and prove the miner had black lung that significantly contributed to or hastened death.


Under Byrd's amendments, workers with 15 or more years in the mines would be presumed to have black lung disease which is irreversible and happens from exposure to coal dust. Also, the amendment would make it easier for widows of workers who were employed 15+ years in the mines to receive benefits.

The changes would be effective retroactive to 2005.

Big business and the chambers of commerces are against the amendment because of the costs they will be burdened with.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer or asbestos cancer or black lung disease, please contact a meosthelioma lawyer in Pennsylvania or West Virginia.