Williams v. Clinchfield Coal Co.

This appeal alleges error in an award by the Industrial Commission of Virginia (Commission) denying benefits to Doris Williams (Williams or claimant) on a claim filed against his employer, Clinchfield Coal Company (Clinchfield).

Williams filed his claim with the Commission on August 17, 1970, alleging he was entitled to benefits because he was suffering from coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, an occupational disease. The Commission held Williams’ claim barred by two waivers executed by him in 1966 and 1968 pursuant to Code § 65-50, subsequently recodified as Code § 65.1-53. Both waivers had been…