Coal Miner Died from Lung Cancer—Not Work-Related Condition

After a former coal miner died, his surviving spouse filed a workers’ comp claim, arguing that his death was the result of a work-related condition, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP). The claim was denied so she appealed. But the Appeals Tribunal denied her appeal. The evidence indicated that the worker had died of lung cancer and related complications, which were likely caused by his smoking history. The Tribunal found that the CWP played no or an insignificant role in his death [Re: 2010-681-AD, [2012] CanLII 29323 (NS WCAT), May 24, 2012].