Black Lung

What is Black lung disease?

Black lung disease, also called coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), develops when an individual inhales coal dust over time. The lungs cannot rid themselves of the fine coal dust, and eventually coal dust can block the airways and cause permanent scarring to the lungs.  Sadly, there is no cure for coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.

Simple CWP can actually be completely asymptomatic, meaning that you have no outward symptoms or indication that you have the disease.  Additionally, common symptoms of CWP are often difficult to notice during the onset of the disease.

In the most severe cases CWP can result in death.

Doctors can diagnosis CWP by identifying abnormalities, called “opacities,” on a chest x-ray. A doctor can determine the degree of the coal workers’ pneumoconiosis based on the number and size of the opacities.  Once a doctor diagnoses CWP based on a positive chest x-ray, you will need to be examined by a pulmonologist who will order pulmonary function testing. These diagnostic procedures can help to indicate the level of damage to your lungs from coal dust exposure.

What to do after you’ve been diagnosed?

Once you’ve been diagnosed with CWP, you can file a claim for occupational disease benefits if you have left coal mining employment.  You have five years from your last date of exposure to file a claim, but it is ultimately better for your case if you file within two years of your last date of exposure.  However, it should be noted that you can file a claim for CWP immediately upon leaving coal mining employment.  There is no advantage to waiting to file a claim.

At Culley, Feist, Kuppart & Jordan, we have extensive experience going up against the large coal companies in the fight for coal miner’s rights and benefits.  Our founding partner, Harold Culley, represented coal miners for 55 years before his passing.  Harold’s grandson, Roman Kuppart, worked with him for 23 years and learned black lung law by his side before ultimately becoming a partner in Harold’s law firm in 2007.  Today Roman continues Harold’s legacy of fighting for coal miners.  Roman has never represented coal companies, insurance companies, or large corporations; he has always completely focused on representing injured workers.

To learn more about how we can help you file a black lung claim, please contact our office by calling us today for a free consultation at 618-252-7422.