Black Lung

Coal is Pennsylvania’s most abundant energy source and a key component of our economy. In 2006 about 7,500 Pennsylvanians worked in this industry, with over 5,000 of them involved in underground mining. Despite the many benefits that coal has brought to our state and the US as a whole, it is also the source of serious health hazards. One of the most notorious of these is black lung.

Black lung is a painful illness that can leave people unable to continue working. Although workers’ compensation and other resources are supposed to help victims of this illness, gaining access to them is not always as easy as it should be. If you or a loved one is struggling to receive fair benefits for this condition, call the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 for help.

What is Black Lung?

Black lung is the common name for coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by long-term exposure to coal dust. Its initial stages are generally mild and may not even cause any symptoms. Over time, however, it can develop into complicated pneumoconiosis, also known as progressive massive fibrosis or PMF.

You may want to discuss your options with a Philadelphia coal worker’s pneumoconiosis attorney if you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms such as:

• Persistent chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic coughing
• Cur polmonale (heart damage caused by respiratory problems)
• Difficulty breathing

Unfortunately, there is no cure or effective treatment for black lung. People who suffer from it should be eligible for workers’ compensation or perhaps disability benefits, but receiving them is often a struggle. Our Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys strive to help people in this painful situation.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one is suffering from coal worker’s pneumoconiosis and cannot receive the help you need, contact the Philadelphia black lung lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today.