Black Lung Disease Claim / Pneumoconiosis Payouts 2026
In this article – we set our the compensation you can claim for both black lung disease and pneumoconiosis.
Discover how an employer negligently allowing you to breath in coal dust over long periods of time can lead to a black lung disease claim.
In addition, we discuss why pneumoconiosis claims are not limited to current end ex-coal workers together with the other types of workplace that can cause the condition to develop.
Finally, we explore the symptoms you are likely to suffer if you have black lung disease.
- Black Lung Disease Claim / Pneumoconiosis Payouts 2026
- Payouts Table 2026 For Black Lung Disease Claims
- FAQ / Q&A
- SUMMARY – Black Lung Disease / Pneumoconiosis Claims
- FREE Legal Help And Assistance
Payouts Table 2026 For Black Lung Disease Claims
| Black Lung Disease Pneumoconiosis | Claim Payout Amounts |
|---|---|
| Moderate Difficulty breathing Deteriorating lung function Frequent coughing Sleep disturbance | £67,000 – £86,000 |
| Severe As with moderate plus Extreme pain Quality in life reduction Reduced life expectancy | £86,000 – £166,000 |
What are black lung disease claims?
You will typically be entitled to make a black lung disease claim for compensation if your employer (or former employer) was “legally responsible” or “legally at fault” for your exposure to coal (or carbon) dust, which can be shown to have caused you to develop black lung disease,
What is black lung disease?
“Black lung” is also known as “coal miners’ pneumoconiosis”,” coal miners lung” or “anthracosis”. It is a lung disease resulting from scarring of the lungs caused by coal dust retention in the lungs.
Who can claim compensation for black lung disease?
It is a condition typically affecting coal miners and above surface colliery coal workers, breathing coal dust into their lungs over many years.
If you suffer from this condition and you are an ex-miner or coal worker it is quite likely you will be entitled to claim industrial injuries compensation from your former employer.
National Coal Board (NCB) And The British Coal Corporation
When the extraction of coal was nationalised in the UK – the organisation created to be responsible across the whole nation was the National Coal Board (NCB).
The NCB later became the British Coal Corporation. Coal extraction is now in the hands of a private company – UK Coal Plc.
Claim Despite NCB And British Coal Corporation No Longer Existing
See our coal workers claims article for an explanation of how you can still claim compensation from these organisations – even if they no longer exist.
Are pneumoconiosis claims limited to coal miners?
Pneumoconiosis is technically any lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of organic or non-organic dust. Therefore – may types of job exposed to dust can give rise to a pneumoconiosis claim.
Coal miner’s pneumoconiosis typically refers to black lung disease. In other words – your lungs showing black in scans caused by the carbon dust deposits and scarring.
Carbon dust lung disease claims are therefore not limited to coal miners.
Other occupations that may cause exposure to carbon dust, include:
- Grinding of mineral carbon or graphite,
- Working with carbon electrodes.
How is black lung disease detected?
Breathing coal dust into your lungs over many years can lead to scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs.
If you are suffering from black lung – a scan of your lungs will show black areas caused by the scarring of the black dust.
Longer Periods Of Coal Dust Inhalation
The longer you are exposed to coal dust inhalation then the worse your lung condition becomes and the more severe the symptoms you are likely to experience.
What are the symptoms of black lung disease?
The symptoms of coal miners’ pneumoconiosis will typically include:
- A chronic cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Progressively worsening lung function.
- Disturbed sleep.
What types of compensation can be included in your claim?
Black lung disease compensation is made up of two distinct parts, which your solicitor will combine to calculate your overall compensation payout.
Pain and suffering
Compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the lung condition itself.
Financial loss and expense
Generally, you will experience financial loss and expense as a direct result of your lung condition. For example – lost income, forced early retirement, medical expenses, care and assistance in the home, etc.
Keep Records Of Your Financial Losses And Expenses
You will undoubtedly experience many different types of financial loss and expense.
Keep a diary of all your losses, together with supporting receipts.
Your solicitor will require your records, since they will prove essential evidence to support your claim for compensation
Calculations of black lung disease claims
In this section, we set detailed examples of different types of severity of black lung disease claim together with calculations of the compensation your can expect for the pain and suffering you experience for each.
Moderate coal miners pneumoconiosis
If your are diagnosed with black lung disease then you are considered to have a recognised lung disease.
Generally, your symptoms might include: shortness of breath, coughing episodes, sleep disturbance and a progressively worsening ability to breath.
Moderate black lung disease claims of this nature will generally result in compensation calculated between £67,000 – £86,000.
Severe black lung disease
If you suffer the most severe case of pneumoconiosis then you will often experience a real likelihood of early death. In addition, you may experience very severe pain plus symptoms which disrupt social and working life. In this case of severe black lung disease you could expect a compensation settlement of between: £86,000 – £166,000.
FAQ / Q&A
How much compensation can I claim from a current or former employer for black lung disease?
Can I claim from the government for coal workers pneumoconiosis?
SUMMARY – Black Lung Disease / Pneumoconiosis Claims
In summary – you have learnt how ex-coal workers can claim coal miners’ pneumoconiosis from current and past employers coupled with how to calculate the amount of compensation your black lung disease claim settlement is worth.
Next recommended steps
We recommend you see our industrial disease claim process article to know how to make a claim if you are suffering from coal miner’s black lung.
FREE Legal Help And Assistance
Why not take advantage of both our free telephone and online solicitor help. You can not only call direct to speak to our solicitors, but also ask a question or have your claim assessed.
