Federal Court Denies Petition for Review of Black Lung Benefits Award

A federal appellate court denied an employer’s petition for review of an award of black lung benefits to its employee. Case: Bluff Spur Coal Corp. v. OWCP, No. 24-2181, 08/04/2026, unpublished. Facts and procedural history: An administrative law judge awarded black lung benefits to Frederick Bateman, payable by Bluff Spur Coal Corp. The ALJ premised the award on findings that Bateman was totally disabled and had never smoked. The Benefits Review Board affirmed the award. Bluff Spur petitioned the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals for review. Analysis: The U.S. 4th Circuit Court of ...