Court Denies Employer's Petition for Review of Worker's Black Lung Benefits Award

A federal appellate court denied an employer petition for review of an award of Black lung benefits to a longtime coal miner. Case: Southern Ohio Coal Co. v. OWCP, No. 24-3523, 02/11/2025, published. Facts: Donald Hunter worked as a coal miner for more than a decade. His last employer was Southern Ohio Coal Co. After being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Hunter filed a claim under the Black Lung Benefits Act. Southern Ohio contested the claim, arguing that Hunter’s condition did not constitute legal pneumoconiosis because it did not arise out of his coal mi...