FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals such as diesel exhaust fumes, coal fumes, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness including cancer. A successful FELA case can award damages to compensate for medical expenses, lost income as well as suffering and pain.
A railroad worker suffering from leukemia was recently awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one illustration of how the justice system fights for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to chemical solvents and other hazardous substances, such as benzene. It is a highly evaporated liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number medical conditions including cancer blood-related cancers, such as Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow disease. It is also a cancer-causing agent and an ingredient in coal tar creosote, which is used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat snow, rain and sun.
A former rail worker claimed exposure to benzene during his work with coal tar creosote on railroad ties triggered Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which grew into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded the man $7.5 million in September last year.
If you have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic illnesses due to exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations may vary, so it is important to speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as is possible.
A railroad attorney at Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is a valid FELA claim. We provide free consultations and are conversant with FELA railway workplaces, FELA and the cancer-causing chemicals railroad employees encounter every day.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with lung cancer, as well as other health issues due to asbestos exposure. They worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards, as well as on track equipment or rail cars that had asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos is especially dangerous because, when it deteriorates, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled by railroad workers and can cause mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases due to diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often diagnosed several years after the initial exposure, and can lead to many severe and debilitating medical conditions.
A recent case against Conrail exposes the dangers of this kind of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail, the railroad company, in respect of an ex-railway worker who passed away from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for suffering and pain, as well as loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working closely with an experienced lawyer who will quickly determine if an FELA claim is legitimate.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers who were exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious illnesses. These substances are often hidden in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. They can be difficult to detect unless the railroad company is actively screening them for alpha and Gamma radiation. When a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another condition due to exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, they are able to make an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Railroad workers are more likely than others to develop cancers. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to chemicals that can lead to lung cancer, including asbestos and Sand dust (silica) and diesel fumes, welding fumes, and creosote.
cancer lawsuit for railroads must be sought out as soon as possible by railroad workers who have been diagnosed as having cancer because of exposure to radiation while working. They can assist them in determining whether they have a case against the former employer and pursue the appropriate lawsuits, in accordance with FELA. Bladder cancer lawsuit can include the payment of medical expenses as well as loss of income and suffering and pain. They may also seek compensation for the loss of a loved one as the event of wrongful death. A knowledgeable railroad lawyer can assist victims get the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.
union pacific railroad lawsuit , such as engineers, conductors, and train crew members are often exposed to hazardous conditions which can cause lung damage without realizing it. Former railroad workers who have developed lung cancer or other conditions which could be due to their work may seek compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees and their families of deceased employees to seek damages for future and past emotional and medical costs. A lawyer familiar with the rules of FELA could provide you with options to file.
To prevail in a FELA lawsuit, you'll need to prove that the employer acted in a negligent way. It could be a matter of breaking a law or rule or failing to meet an acceptable standard of care, and much more. A FELA lawyer can look over your case and determine if railroad negligence caused your condition.
Railroad exposure can lead to a variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed during your career as a railroad worker to diesel exhaust or other toxins, such as creosote and asbestos or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer can help you file claims for compensation under the FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past, and have led to a variety of verdicts and settlements.