Federal Court Upholds Worker's Award of Black Lung Benefits Despite ALJ's Evidentiary Mistake

A federal appellate court upheld an award of black lung benefits to a coal industry employee despite the administrative law judge’s evidentiary error. Case: Coastal Coal Co. LLC v. Harrison, No. 22-2122, 06/18/2024, unpublished. Facts and procedural history: Joe F. Harrison worked in the coal industry. He filed a claim under the Black Ling Benefits Act, asserting he was totally disabled. An administrative law judge awarded Harrison benefits payable by the Coastal Coal Co. LLC, and the Benefits Review Board affirmed. Coastal then petitioned the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals for rev...