For years, Murray and his company fought against federal mine safety regulations aimed at reducing the debilitating disease.
North American Coal Corporation is named as one potentially liable party in Murray’s claim for the benefits.
Murray said he has black lung from working in underground mines and is entitled to benefits.
Additionally, he disputed that he ever fought against regulations to quell the disease or fought miners from receiving benefits.
Murray also threatened to file a lawsuit if a story was published that indicated he had fought federal regulations and benefits.
Like other coal operators, Murray’s companies have disputed the claims made by miners who seek black lung benefits.
As is common in coal bankruptcies, Murray and its successor company were relieved of any obligation to pay existing black lung benefits by the bankruptcy court. »