Coal Miner's Widow Can Benefit From Presumption of Occupational Pneumoconiosis

A federal appellate court upheld an award of benefits to a coal miner’s widow, finding that a statutory presumption of occupational pneumoconiosis applied to her claim even though the miner’s death was caused by an acute illness as opposed to a chronic pulmonary condition. Case: Consolidation Coal Co. v. OWCP, No. 24-1329, 02/18/2025, published. Facts: Dale Staten worked as a coal miner in Illinois for almost three decades. Staten’s last employer before he retired in 2000 was Consolidation Coal Co. After his retirement, Staten saw several doctors for shortness of breath, ...