FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to harmful chemicals such as diesel exhaust fumes, coal fumes, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness including cancer. A successful FELA claim could be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, loss of income pain and suffering, among other things.
A railroad worker who was diagnosed with leukemia has been awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one example of how the justice system defends for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents, including benzene. The liquid, which is extremely evaporative can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Bladder cancer lawsuit is associated with a number medical conditions including cancer blood-related cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and bone-marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen and an ingredient in coal tar creosote. It is used to shield railroad tieways from heat, sunlight snow, rain, and sunlight.
A former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties caused Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), that progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded him $7.5 million last September.
If you've been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that result from daily exposure to benzene, asbestos radioactive substances, benzene and other harmful chemicals can file a claim for compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the time limit for filing a claim will vary, therefore it is crucial to consult a seasoned lawyer as quickly as you can.
A railroad attorney at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations and are conversant with FELA as well as railroad workplaces and the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad employees face on a daily basis.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer or other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They frequently worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards, on derailed rail cars or track equipment that was asbestos insulation that was degrading. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous since, when it begins to degrade tiny fibers are released into the air. The fibers can be breathed in by railroad workers and cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health issues such as lung cancer asbestosis, pleural plaque and fibrosis.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung disease from diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These particles and fumes can damage the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well as blood cells. These injuries can be diagnosed years after the first exposure and can cause a variety serious and debilitating conditions.
A recent case involving Conrail highlights the dangers of this kind of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against Conrail for an ex-railway employee who died of mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to cover suffering and pain as well as companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. The case underscores the importance of working with a seasoned attorney who is able to quickly assess whether an FELA claim is justified.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers and other serious illnesses. cancer lawsuits are typically hidden in the materials railroads employ to clean tracks and other rail yards. They are often difficult to spot unless the railroad company is actively testing them for alpha and the gamma radiation. If a railroad employee is diagnosed with cancer or another disease due to exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, they are able to make a FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Railroad workers are more prone than others to develop cancer. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to toxic substances that can lead to lung cancer, including asbestos, Sand dust (silica) as well as diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote.
A railroad lawyer must be sought out as soon as is possible by railroad employees who have been diagnosed as having cancer due to exposure during their work. cancer lawsuits can assist them in determining whether they have a claim against the former employer and file the appropriate lawsuits based on FELA. These claims can be based on reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering. In addition, they could compensate for the loss of a loved one in the event of wrongful death. A railroad attorney with experience can help victims receive the maximum amount of the damages they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers such as engineers conductors and other members of the train crew often work in hazardous environments which can cause lung damage without even realizing it. If a former railroad employee is suffering from an illness such as lung cancer or a different condition which could be linked to their job or work, they may be eligible to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Unlike workers' compensation, FELA allows railroad employees who are injured to sue. This includes future and past medical costs and emotional suffering. A lawyer who is familiar with regulations under FELA could provide you with options to file.
In order to be successful in a FELA claim you must prove that your employer was negligent. Negligence can include breaking a rule or law or failing to meet the acceptable standards of care, or any other. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if railroad negligence was a factor in your illness.
Railroad exposure can cause a variety of lung diseases. If you were exposed during your career as a railroad worker to diesel exhaust or other toxins, such as creosote, asbestos, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer can help you file claims for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of settlements and verdicts.