If you’re a current or former coal miner in Kentucky who developed black lung disease on the job, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and suffering. However, determining an average settlement amount can be challenging, as each case and affected worker is unique. Fortunately, there are several types and sources of compensation you could qualify for.
For example, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover lost wages, medical expenses, and permanent disability. Some miners can also receive extra money if they have dependents. If a miner dies from black lung, surviving family members can qualify for benefits, too. The final settlement amount depends on your work history, the severity of your illness, and whether you are eligible for both state and federal benefits. Every case is unique, so amounts will vary.
The law firm of Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer helps coal workers and their families fight for the full compensation they deserve. Our team is well-versed in handling both Kentucky workers’ compensation and federal black lung claims. We work tirelessly to gather strong medical evidence and push back when employers or insurers try to pay less.
If you or someone you love has black lung disease, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our black lung attorneys are here to listen and explain your options.
About Black Lung Disease and Compensation for Workers Who Develop It
Black lung disease, also called coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, can develop when coal miners breathe in coal dust over long periods. The dust damages the lungs and makes it harder to breathe. This illness can get worse over time and sometimes leads to total disability or premature death.
Coal miners who develop black lung can apply for compensation through the Kentucky workers’ compensation system or the federal Black Lung Benefits Program. These programs exist to support miners who get sick on the job. They can cover medical treatment, lost income, and other expenses associated with the disease. Affected miners can also qualify for payments to support their families.
Miners must show they worked in coal mining and have medical proof of black lung disease to qualify for compensation. If you believe your work as a coal miner caused your illness, you can file a claim and ask for benefits that provide the financial support you need.
Black Lung Disease Benefits Breakdown
Coal miners with black lung may qualify for several types of benefits through both state and federal programs. Kentucky’s workers’ compensation program can replace a portion of lost income and provide money for permanent disability. It can also cover medical bills associated with black lung treatments.
The federal Black Lung Benefits Program provides monthly payments to miners who are unable to work due to the disease. This program can also cover doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and oxygen therapy. If a miner dies from black lung, the federal program can provide support to surviving spouses or children.
Some miners settle their state workers’ compensation claim for a lump sum. That payment can include money for disability and future medical costs. However, if you settle, that could change how the federal program pays your medical bills. Before you accept any offer, make sure you work with a lawyer to understand how it could affect your total benefits.
What Factors Can Affect the Settlement Amount in a Black Lung Claim?
Several factors could affect how much money you can get from a coal mining compensation claim for black lung. The following are some key elements that might influence the value of your settlement:
- Legal Help – Our experienced black lung attorneys can help you avoid mistakes, gather strong evidence, and push back if your employer fights your claim.Level of Disability – Miners who are totally disabled due to black lung can usually receive more than those with mild breathing problems.
- Work History – A long-term career in coal mining, especially in underground mines, often supports a stronger claim for higher payments.
- Medical Evidence – Detailed X-rays, breathing test results, and written opinions from approved doctors can strengthen your case.
- Dependents – If you support a spouse, child, or other family members, you might qualify for higher benefit amounts.
- Type of Claim – Federal and state programs each have different rules. Some miners qualify for both, which can increase the total compensation available.
- Past Claims or Settlements – If you have already settled a past black lung case, that could decrease how much you can recover from a new claim.
What Should I Consider When Filing a Claim for Black Lung Disease?
You need strong evidence to file a successful black lung claim. Your evidence must show that coal mining caused your illness. That means you’ll need comprehensive proof of your full work history, including where you worked, what you did, and how long you were in the mines.
You will also need medical proof. A doctor must examine your lungs, take X-rays, and run breathing tests. For Kentucky workers’ comp claims, the doctor must be a certified pulmonologist approved by the state. For federal claims, the doctor must follow strict rules for black lung exams.
If you have already received compensation in the past, that could affect your new claim. You also have a limited time to file, so don’t wait too long. A black lung attorney can help you collect the correct records, meet applicable deadlines, and avoid mistakes that could hurt your case.
How Our Kentucky Occupational Disease Lawyers Can Assist You
If you know or suspect you have a black lung claim, a lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather the proper documents, and deal with both state and federal systems. If you run into problems with your employer or their insurance company, our lawyers can deal with them for you.
The following are several ways our lawyers can help with your black lung case:
- Gathering medical records and X-rays that support your diagnosis
- Talking with doctors and other medical experts to get detailed written reports about your condition
- Preparing and filing your paperwork with the right agencies by the relevant deadlines
- Pushing back against unfair denials from employers or insurance companies
- Calculating what a fair settlement should look like in your case
- Advising you before you agree to any settlement offers
- Filing a black lung lawsuit if the other side refuses to agree to a fair settlement
- Appealing any decisions that could reduce or deny your benefits
- Never charging you attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for your case
Reach Out to Our Kentucky Black Lung Disease Attorneys Now
If you or a loved one has black lung disease, call Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today at (877) 809-5352 or contact us online. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call, and you can expect to speak with a lawyer early in the process of your case. We’ll listen, review your situation, and explain how we can help you move forward. Your consultation and case review are free, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your black lung claim.
