Supreme Court Upholds 33% PPD Award to Coal Miner

The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld an award of 33% permanent partial disability benefits to an injured coal miner. Case: Murray American Energy Inc. v. Yost, No. 25-577, 01/13/2026, published. Facts: Richard Yost worked for Murray American Energy Inc. as a coal miner. He went to the hospital in October 2019 and reported multiple injuries that occurred the day before when he was operating a man-trip that was struck by a tractor-bolt machine. The assessment was lumbar strain with right sciatica, concussion versus tension headache from whiplash, and cervical strain with radicular pain in th...