Supreme Court Upholds Award to Drill Operator for Pneumoconiosis

The West Virginia Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a drill operator was entitled to benefits for pneumoconiosis based on his workplace exposure to coal and rock dust. Case: Vedco Holdings v. Hundley, No. 17-0018, 12/11/2017, published. Facts: Jeffrey Hundley worked as a drill operator with Vedco Holdings from 2008 through February 2013. In March 2013, he was diagnosed with pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In July 2013, Hundley filed a workers’ compensation claim, asserting he had been exposed to respirable dust hazards during the course of his employment w...