Washington and Lee University School of Law
The Black Lung Clinic is a legal clinic at the Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. The Clinic assists coal miners and survivors who are pursuing federal black lung benefits. Its' clients are represented by students, who work closely with a member of the law school faculty licensed to practice law. Students evaluate claims, develop evidence, conduct discovery, depositions, and hearings, write motions, arguments, and appellate briefs.
In attempting to collect benefits, miners and survivors face formidable teams of lawyers, paralegals, and doctors that the coal companies assemble to challenge these claims. The Clinic has a success rate roughly five times the national average. Although the Clinic is unable to represent every request for representation, it has represented about 200 clients since 1996.
On the website, you will find a variety of resources to assist you in developing your claim for benefits. To obtain full access to the site, you must register (hyperlink). Registration is free, will take one business day, and is open to all attorneys and legal workers who certify that they are engaged in the representation of coal miners. If you need immediate access please contact (hyperlink) the Clinic directly at 540.458.8562.
