Black-Lung Victims Vulnerable to COVID-19, but Comp Likely Won't Cover It

Coal miners with black lung disease are reportedly worried that COVID-19 could worsen their embattled respiratory systems and that they'll have few resources for care. Some miner groups have said the disease will lead to expensive hospital stays or death. And many clinics that treat victims of black lung have closed during the coronavirus outbreak, creating uncertainty in Appalachia. And although coal miners in several states have been deemed essential workers, attorneys in Appalachian states said workers' compensation probably won't cover a COVID-19 illness, even if it exac...