Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs A coal miner who developed black lung due to his employers’ negligence has been awarded a landmark legal victory and a multimillion-dollar payout.Craig Keogh, a machine operator at NSW and Queensland mines, became the first Australian to win a black lung case at trial, paving the way for other sufferers to make successful compensation claims.Keogh said he was never warned of the dangers dust from mines could pose.Credit: Joe ArmaoThe Dust Diseases Tribunal of NSW found the mines were negligent in exposing Keogh to coal dust because they did not take reasonable care to ensure he was not exposed to avoidable injuries.Keogh, who was diagnosed with pneumoconiosis in 2018 and has battled mental-health issues since, was awarded $3.2 million in damages.Downer Mining, CPB Contractors and Campbell Mining Services are all on the hook following the decision.Keogh said he was never warned of the dangers dust from mines could pose and never wore a mask at work.“It has basically destroyed me … physically I can’t do anything anymore, mentally there has been an impact on my thought process, my concentration, everything’s changed in my life,” he said.“I’ll run out of breath very quickly, I’m always fatigued, it’s just not good – and it’s just going to get worse.”Judge David Russell was convinced Keogh’s respiratory and psychiatric health meant he would never be able to work again, with evidence suggesting his respiratory condition will deteriorate.Downer Mining and CPB Contractors have been contacted for comment.Campbell Mining Services was voluntarily deregistered by ASIC in mid-2023.Lifeline 13 11 14beyondblue 1300 22 4636AAP
