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Atlanta, GA Workers Compensation Lawyer Gerber & Holder Workers' Compensation Attorneys

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Georgia Coal Miner Injuries & the Federal Black Lung Program

Work Injury Lawyers (Home) / Who We Represent / Compensation for Coal Worker Injuries

How to receive compensation as an injured coal miner in Georgia

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    Many Americans enjoy relatively safe working conditions. However, this is not the case for employees in certain high-risk industries, including construction and coal mining. In fact, coal mining remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. Injuries and illnesses—some of them life-threatening—happen to hundreds of workers each year.

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that not only are coal miners more likely to suffer a non-fatal accident or illness on the job but also that it’s far more likely for them to suffer severe injuries when compared with workers in all other private industries in the U.S.

    The dangers of coal mining are known and well-documented. With the threat of accidents being ever-present, workers are required to have respirators with them at all times.

    Even so, accidents and illnesses still happen. This is why the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act provide special benefits to injured coal miners and their families.

    Additionally, workers who become chronically ill and totally disabled while employed in the coal mining industry may rely on the federal government’s Black Lung Program if they are diagnosed with this fatal and all-too-common occupational disease.

    Negotiating both state and federal workers’ compensation systems at the same time is complicated. In such cases, it’s wise to consult with a knowledgeable Georgia workers’ compensation attorney at Gerber & Holder to help your family through the process.

    Don’t take your employer at their word if they say your workplace injury isn’t covered.

    Contact us today for your free consultation.

    Client reviews

    Legal Service  |  Georgia
    Overall Rating: 5 / 5
    He got it done
    “Ben got me the medical treatment I needed when the insurance company didn’t want to let me see a doctor, even though I needed knee surgery. He got it done. I recommend Ben Gerber and Associates to anyone with a workman’s comp issue.”
    Brian P
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    Amazing attorney
    “My experience with Benjamin Gerber was amazing from the first day. He is very knowledgeable and was very patient with me. Amazing attorney!!!! He is a Bulldog!!!”
    Wendy B
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    Friendly, honest, professional
    “Ben is friendly, honest, professional. After being injured at work, my former employer played some games with my paycheck and health coverage; I never would have known they weren’t allowed to do that without Ben. He recovered money owed, had my coverage reinstated, and insisted they pay a penalty.”
    Kate B

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    Georgia’s coal mining industry

    Coal mining has been a part of Georgia’s economy since the 1830s. Though the Civil War virtually destroyed the industry, the 1880s brought a revitalization that continued for the next century.

    According to the National Mining Association, 3,700 people in Georgia hold jobs that are either “indirect or induced” by the state’s coal mining industry.

    Georgia’s numbers are similar to those across the nation. Fewer than 70,000 people in the U.S. are employed by coal mining, and there seems little reason to expect these numbers to rise in the future. As natural gas becomes more readily available, the number of workers needed in the coal mining industry continues to decline. In line with this, Georgia Power has shuttered 15 coal-fired generation facilities in recent years.

    But people who used to work in these mines may still be feeling the negative effects—and for those who continue to work there, the future can sometimes look bleak from a medical perspective.

    Coal mining accidents, injuries and illnesses

    People who work in coal mines face numerous occupational hazards. Injuries to the hands, fingers and feet are common, as are back injuries and traumatic brain injuries. The danger of an explosion or a collapse is also ever-present.

    However, perhaps the danger that looms largest in the minds of miners and their families is black lung disease.

    Black lung disease

    The scientific name for black lung disease is pneumoconiosis. As employees work in underground mines, they are surrounded by tiny particles of coal dust. Without proper respirator use, these particles are inhaled for hours at a time. This irreversible, chronic disease is only caused by exposure to coal dust. Too frequently, pneumoconiosis proves to be fatal.

    Cases of this illness have been reported for centuries. In the 1970s, the number of cases began to decline, and this trend continued through the early 2000s. The rates began to rise after that, with doctors and researchers noting that not only were more people getting black lung disease but also that these cases were far more serious.

    Experts believe that the rise in the number and severity of modern black lung cases is directly related to mine owners who flagrantly flout standards and recommendations for worker safety.

    While most black lung cases are diagnosed in people who work underground, those who work above ground in some capacity, such as processing coal or participating in strip mining, are also prone to the disease.

    Filing black lung disease claims

    If you have been diagnosed with black lung disease or if you lost a loved one who had this illness, then you may be able to obtain compensation from state and federal coal miners’ compensation programs.

    Begin by notifying your employer of your condition, then file a claim with Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Time limits, which are strict, dictate how quickly you must act to make a claim. Usually, these time limits start running from a distinct period in time, such as the last time you were exposed to coal dust.

    Client success

    Our record of winning accident cases in Georgia speaks for itself:

    $1 million+ $372,000 MSAMan sustained a closed head injury.Head Injury
    $650,000Police officer was shot and paralyzed from the waist down.Catastrophic Injury
    $425,000+ $273,000 MSAWoman had significant injuries to her back and head.Numerous Injuries
     

    Read more

    The federal Black Lung Program

    It also may be wise to consider filing a claim under the federal Black Lung Program. To qualify, you must demonstrate that you are “totally disabled” as a result of your diagnosis. This means that you are unable to perform your job or a similar one because of black lung disease. Payment of medical expenses and monthly checks may be available to the patient or their surviving spouse and children.

    Navigating the state and federal workers’ compensation systems can be complicated, but you deserve fair compensation if you have been diagnosed with black lung disease or are suffering from another coal-mining related illness or injury.

    Contact Gerber & Holder Law to learn more about your compensation benefits during your free consultation.

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      Georgia workers' compensation lawyers with offices in Atlanta and Athens

      (678) 802-8650

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      Atlanta, GA 30324

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      Columbus, GA 31901

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