Federal Court Upholds Black Lung Award to Worker's Widow

A federal appellate court upheld an award of black lung benefits to a worker’s widow, finding the award was adequately supported by the evidence presented to the administrative law judge. Case: Island Creek Coal Co. v. OWCP, No. 24-3244, 03/06/2025, unpublished. Facts and procedural history: Billy Ray Hughes spent more than a decade working in Kentucky coal mines. His last employer was Island Creek Coal Co. In 2012, Hughes filed a claim under the Black Lung Benefits Act, alleging that his prolonged coal dust exposure led to respiratory impairments consistent with pneumoconiosis. ...