Federal Black Lung Defense Practice

The Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) provides monthly workers’ compensation benefits to coal miners and their survivors who are completely disabled as a result of black lung disease.

The law also provides eligible miners with medical coverage for the treatment of lung diseases related to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). In addition, the BLBA applies to transportation and construction workers who are exposed to coal dust. Notably, insurance carriers and self-insured coal operators have exposure to future claim filings by miners who are no longer employed. Indeed, CWP-related claims have increased recently due, in part, to miners reaching retirement age.

Lewis Brisbois’ Black Lung Defense Practice defends coal mine operators and their insurers against federal black lung claims across the country. With decades of experience, specialized knowledge, and extensive resources, our attorneys regularly and successfully litigate cases from inception to resolution before the U.S. Department of Labor. These lawyers handle matters before the District Director of the Federal Black Lung Program, the Office of Administrative Law Judges, the Benefits Review Board, and the Circuit Court of Appeals. The attorneys who comprise the Black Lung Defense Practice possess a unique understanding of surface and underground mining operations, as well as the complex legal and medical aspects of claims under the BLBA.