Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as black lung disease or black lung, is caused by long-term exposure to coal dust. It is common in coal miners and others who work with coal and are exposed to coal dust. Black lung is a chronic, irreversible occupational lung disease. The only cause of black lung is excessive inhalation of "respirable" coal dust. Over time the lungs become coated in black particulates. Many develop into the worst form of the disease: Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF) characterized by large masses of scar tissue and nodules.

After near eradication of black lung disease there has been a recent and dramatic increase in cases over the past ten years. Such an increase can only be the result of overexposure to coal dust and is most likely related to relaxation of dust control regimes over recent years. Each case of advanced black lung disease is an entirely preventable tragedy and represents mine operators' unwillingness to adequately control mine dust exposures, and safety regulators' failure to set, monitor and enforce standards necessary to protect miners.

If you have been told by a physician that you have pneumoconiosis, black lung or other lung problems, you may be eligible for compensation from the Federal Government and/or State Workers' Compensation programs.

Our law firm will assist coal miners and their families obtain relief under the Black Lung Benefits Act. The claims process typically includes representation before the U.S. Department of Labor, the Office of Administrative Law Judges, the Benefits Review Board and possibly the United States Circuit Court(s) of Appeal.

Our clients do not pay attorney's fees for representation. Our fees are paid by the responsible coal mine operator, if and when we ultimately prevail in your case. Please contact our office today for a free consultation and assessment of your potential claim.

Search Terms: Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP); Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF); Chronic Beryllium Disease; berylliosis; Anthracosis; black lung disease; black lung; coal dust; graphite dust; silica; silicosis; lung disease; coal miner's lung; miner's lung; lung scarring; black particulates; chronic obstructive airway diseases, bronchitis; emphysema; respiratory disease; crystalline silica;