SSD Claims For Black Lung Disease And Mesothelioma
Coal mining has long been a leading industry in West Virginia. Our state remains the top employer in the coal mining sector nationwide, according to the American Geosciences Institute.
Working in the mines can be hazardous. A significant health risk for miners is coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, an occupational disease more commonly known as black lung. Coal workers – along with other miners and industrial workers – are also more at-risk for mesothelioma, another deadly lung disease.
At the law firm of Shawn Taylor, PLLC, we represent coal workers in Social Security Disability (SSD) claims involving black lung disease, mesothelioma and other debilitating conditions. Lawyer Shawn Taylor is an experienced advocate who knows how to get successful results. He’s a homegrown attorney dedicated to making a difference in the lives of hardworking miners in need of disability benefits.
Disability Benefits For Black Lung Disease
Black lung disease is a serious occupational illness. It’s caused from long-term exposure to coal dust, which gets stuck in the lungs and slowly damages lung tissue. Coal miners aren’t the only ones who can end up with the disease. Their spouses and children can be exposed to coal dust.
There is no cure for black lung disease. It drastically reduces patients’ life expectancy, and it’s eventually fatal.
The Social Security Administration recognizes black lung disease as a disabling condition when it’s severe enough to impact your ability to work. The U.S. Department of Labor also has a Black Lung Benefit program for those who are totally disabled by the condition.
Disability Benefits For Mesothelioma
Like black lung disease, mesothelioma is an occupational illness resulting from chronic exposure to asbestos and other mineral fibers. It’s a devastating disease that is typically fatal within a few years after diagnosis.
Because it’s so deadly, mesothelioma automatically qualifies applicants for benefits through the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances program.
Disability Benefits For Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, which was commonly used in construction materials, insulation and industrial applications until the late 1970s. Coal miners, construction workers, shipyard workers and industrial employees frequently encountered asbestos in their work environments. When these microscopic fibers are inhaled, they become lodged in lung tissue, causing inflammation and scarring that progressively worsens over time.
Common industries and occupations with high asbestos exposure risk include:
- Mining operations, where asbestos occurred naturally in many coal and mineral deposits, putting miners at risk of exposure during extraction and processing activities. Many mining tools and protective equipment also contained asbestos materials.
- Construction and demolition work, particularly in buildings constructed before 1980, where workers may encounter asbestos in insulation, flooring, roofing materials and other building components.
- Industrial manufacturing facilities, where asbestos was widely used in machinery, equipment insulation and protective gear, leading to prolonged daily exposure over many years.
The condition typically develops after years of exposure and can lead to serious complications, including heart problems and respiratory failure. Asbestosis often serves as a precursor to more serious conditions, including mesothelioma and other forms of lung cancer. The Social Security Administration recognizes asbestosis as a potentially disabling condition under its respiratory disorders listing.
Disability Benefits Vs. Personal Injury Claims
When dealing with occupational diseases like black lung, mesothelioma and asbestosis, many people do not realize they may be eligible for both disability benefits and personal injury compensation. These legal avenues serve different purposes and are not mutually exclusive.
Social Security Disability benefits provide ongoing monthly income when these conditions prevent you from working. These benefits can begin relatively quickly once approved and continue as long as you remain disabled. The approval process focuses on your current inability to work rather than establishing fault or negligence.
Personal injury claims seek compensation from companies responsible for asbestos exposure or unsafe mining conditions. These cases typically require investigation into past employers, working conditions and corporate responsibility. While settlements can be substantial, these cases often take considerable time to resolve.
At Shawn Taylor, PLLC, we focus exclusively on helping clients secure disability benefits. However, we maintain relationships with experienced personal injury attorneys who specialize in occupational disease cases and can provide appropriate referrals while we handle your disability claim. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better positioned you will be to pursue all available forms of compensation for your occupational illness.
Let Us Help You Get SSD Benefits Quickly
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you’re entitled to benefits on an expedited basis. Our team can help you get those benefits quickly.
We also handle SSD claims for those diagnosed with black lung disease. We serve clients throughout West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.
Learn more about how we can help: Call 304-932-4619 or reach out through our website for a free initial consultation.