Workers’ compensation is a special insurance that helps workers who are injured on the job, or who suffer from a workplace medical condition, such as a lung disorder. Coal miners might work underground or above ground. Underground coal miners work with various mining machinery, drill, blast, and do whatever is necessary to extract ore and coal from underground passages, shafts and tunnels. Miners who work above ground will operate heavy machinery to remove coal from the ground and to load it for transport. Common Injuries Suffered By Coal Miners Coal mining is one of the most dangerous professions. Regardless of a miner’s duties, and despite extensive safety training and gear, a miner faces many risks regularly. Because of the nature of the mine, those miners who work underground are known to acquire lung disorders, such as black lung. Black lung cannot be cured, but extensive treatment can help extend the individual’s lifespan. Miners who operate machinery might suffer injuries from falling rocks. Mines sometime collapse and cause serious injuries, such as broken or crushed bones. Miners who are working down in the mine and removing the coal might suffer serious back injuries. The repetitive movements can lead to trauma injuries, such as the need for shoulder surgery or carpal tunnel syndrome. What To Do If You Are Hurt And Suffered Injuries As A Coal Miner If you have suffered serious injuries while mining, you should call for help. Most mines have a medical team to perform rescues and to provide first aid. They will call for an ambulance and any other help that they might need to ensure you are safe. Medical care is an important aspect of any workers’ compensation claim. To file a claim, you must seek medical treatment. Many employers maintain a list of medical providers which they contract with to offer workers’ compensation benefits. If you are not transported to the hospital by ambulance, you will need to seek care from a provider that is on the approved list. You should notify your employer right away of your injury. This would be telling a supervisor or the human resources department so an accident report can be completed. What Workers’ Compensation Can Help Pay For As an injured coal miner, you will need medical care. Workers’ compensation offers medical benefits, which will cover the costs of any medical treatment necessitated to treat your coal mining injuries. Medical bills can add up fast, so this is very beneficial. While you are unable to work, you will be paid about two-thirds your regular salary through workers’ compensation benefits. If your injuries are serious and you are unable to return to coal mining, workers’ compensation might cover the costs of vocational retraining. If you are permanently disabled, you might qualify for long-term disability benefits. Consult With A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer As an injured coal miner, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ comp claims are challenging, so you need a lawyer fighting for your rights. Workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Schedule your free case evaluation today. Additional Resources When Should I Start My Workers' Compensation Claim? Workers' Compensation Claims by Injury
