Miners awarded $67.5 million in 3M dust-mask black-lung lawsuit
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Kentucky jury has awarded $67.5 million in damages to two coal miners who claimed defective 3M dust masks led to their debilitating black-lung disease.
Of the total, $62.5 million was awarded for punitive damages against the mask maker, Maplewood-based 3M Co., according to the verdict form. The remaining amount compensates brothers Leslie and Michael Cox for past and future pain and suffering.
The judgment is thought to be one of the largest ever in an Eastern Kentucky civil lawsuit.
Coal miners wear masks to avoid breathing dust that is generated during mining. Breathing in coal dust causes black lung, an incurable disease that chokes off breathing and often leads to premature death.
Read more: https://www.twincities.com/2018/04/25/miners-awarded-67-5-million-in-3m-dust-mask-black-lung-lawsuit/