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

A federal appellate court denied an employer’s petition for review of black lung benefits to a long-time coal miner. Case: Cumberland River Coal Co. v. OWCP, No. 25-3080, 10/14/2025, unpublished. Facts: Carlos Sturgill worked underground in Kentucky coal mines for more than 25 years. His last employer was Cumberland River Coal Co. Procedural history: Sturgill filed a petition for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act. His claim was denied in 2016. Because his first claim failed, Sturgill had to bring new evidence about his physical condition showing his entitlement to benefi...