Mine Operator Failed to Rebut Presumption That Long-Time Worker Died of Pneumoconiosis

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the widow of a long-time miner was entitled to black-lung benefits, since the man's former employer was unable to rebut the presumption that the employee had died of pneumoconiosis. Case: Island Creek Coal Co. v. Hunt, No. 17-3994, 07/10/2018, unpublished. Facts: Cecal Hunt worked for the Island Creek Co. for more than 23 years. Hunt spent most of this time as an underground equipment operator, but he spent the final six years above ground as a heavy equipment operator at a coal preparation plant in Kentucky. Hunt die...