Black Lung Disease: a curse of our mining industry
Black Lung Disease, also known as Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis, is a disease associated with miners working in poor work conditions back in days of old.
Unfortunately, Black Lung Disease is back in the 21st Century mining industry.
Disturbingly, evidence has arisen that suggests it never really went away, as was widely believed or promoted.
Black Lung Disease personal injury compensation claims
A case in recent times was thought to be the first instance of a Black Lung Disease workers compensation claim being accepted in decades.
However other cases from the past two decades have since come to light, and an ABC news story found there have been four other Black Lung Disease personal injury compensation claims.
There have also been other recorded probable and possible cases in hospitals, from as far back as 1995.
Are working conditions for our miners actually going backwards?
To make matters worse, the developing cases have unearthed flaws in the system, revealing incidences of black lung going undiagnosed despite regular medical checks.
Even with routine doctor visits, the problem was not identified, meaning those that were developing the condition went without appropriate medical advice and continued to work in the harmful environment.
The revelations have brought doubt upon the entire industry, with workers and unions feeling that coal companies have not adequately cared for their employees’ health and wellbeing.
Acceptance of workers’ compensation claims for Black Lung Disease should aid miners
With insufficient post-diagnosis support available to workers, the future is currently bleak for those who find out they have the condition.
This will hopefully change with the option open for compensation now that Black Lung Disease has officially been acknowledged as being a prevalent medical issue once more.
Claims Have Time Limits
There is only a small window in which you can make compensation claims in Queensland
Even if you think your actions may have contributed to your injury, you may still have a claim well-worth pursuing
Just press the button below, there is no cost, and no obligation to review your case
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