FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals like diesel exhaust fumes, coal vapors, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness such as cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages that will cover medical expenses, income loss discomfort and more.
A railroad worker who developed leukemia has been awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents, which include benzene. Benzene, a highly-evaporative liquid is absorbed by the skin or inhaled. railroad workers cancer lawsuit has been linked to various medical conditions, including cancer blood-related cancers, such as leukemia and Lymphoma, and bone-marrow disease. It can also be a cancer-causing agent and is a component of coal tar creosote, which is used to shield railroad ties from heat, sunlight and rain.
A former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene working with coal-tar creosote create railroad ties, lead to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia. A jury awarded the man $7.5 million in September of last year.
People who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases because of exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos and other toxic chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the time limit for filing a claim can vary, which is why it is imperative to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as is possible.
Shaw Cowart's railroad attorneys can assist you in determining whether your case is a candidate for an FELA lawsuit. We provide free consultations and are well-versed with FELA and railroad workplaces as well as the cancer-causing chemicals railroad workers face every day.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with lung cancer and other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards as well as on rail cars that were damaged or on track equipment with asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous because, when it deteriorates tiny fibers are released into air. These fibers are inhaled by railroad workers and could cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaque.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers are at high risk for developing lung ailments due to diesel exhaust as well as exposure to other workplace toxins, such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes and particles can cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well as blood cells. These injuries are often diagnosed years after the initial exposure, and can cause to debilitating and serious conditions.
Recent case against Conrail highlights the dangers associated with this kind of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in the case of an ex-railway worker who passed away from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages to compensate for suffering and suffering as well as companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. The case highlights the importance of working with a seasoned lawyer who can quickly assess whether a FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
People exposed to radioactive substances may develop cancers or other serious illnesses. They are often concealed in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. They can be difficult to identify unless the railroad company is screening them for alpha or the gamma radiation. If a railroad employee develops cancer or suffers from another illness triggered by exposure to carcinogenic substances during their work, they is able to make an FELA and receive compensation from the former employer.
Railroad workers are more likely than other workers to develop cancer. They are continuously exposed to toxins which can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos as well as the mineral sand (silica) as well as diesel fumes or welding fumes.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the consequence of exposure to the workplace should speak to an attorney for railroads as soon as they can. They can assist them in determining if there is a claim against the former employer and initiate the appropriate lawsuits based on FELA. These claims can be based on compensation for medical costs, loss of income and pain and suffering. They also can compensate for the death of a loved one through the event of wrongful death. A knowledgeable railroad attorney can assist victims get the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers such as engineers, conductors, and members of train crews are often in dangerous environments that can damage lungs without realizing it. If a former railroad employee has contracted an illness, such as lung cancer or another disease which could be linked to their work, they may be able to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to pursue claims for damages, including future and past emotional and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with FELA rules can inform you the options available to.
To prevail in a FELA lawsuit, you'll be required to prove that your employer acted in a negligent manner. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law, failing to meet the standard of reasonable care and more. A competent FELA lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if the railroad's negligence played a role in causing your condition.
There are a variety of lung diseases and illnesses can be linked to exposures to the railroad. If you were exposed during your railroad work to diesel exhaust or other toxins, such as asbestos, creosote, or creosote mesothelioma lawyers can assist you in filing claims for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices have resulted in a variety of verdicts and settlements.