FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers exposed to toxic chemicals, such as coal fumes diesel exhaust benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing a serious illness such as cancer. A successful FELA case could award damages to pay medical expenses, income loss as well as pain and suffering.
A railroad worker who contracted leukemia has been awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. Leukemia lawsuit is only one example of how the justice system defends for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to chemical solvents as well as other hazardous substances, like benzene. Benzene, a liquid that is highly evaporative, can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It is associated with several medical conditions like cancer, blood-related cancers such as leukemia and Lymphoma, and bone-marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen as well as is a component of coal creosote. It is used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat snow, rain and sun.
One former rail worker claimed exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which grew into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded him $7.5 million in September.
People who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from daily exposure to benzene, asbestos radioactive substances, benzene and other toxic chemicals can make a claim for compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations could differ, so it is important to speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as possible.
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 familiar with FELA railway workplaces, FELA and the cancer-causing chemicals railroad workers face every day.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer, as well as other health issues caused by asbestos exposure. They worked in places like repair shops, engine room and yards, as well as on track equipment or derailed rail cars that had asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos can be extremely dangerous, as when it degrades, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled by railroad workers and 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 and particles can harm the kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and blood cells. These injuries can be diagnosed many years after the initial exposure and can cause various serious and debilitating ailments.
A recent case against Conrail exposes the risks associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in respect of an ex-railway worker who passed away from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for suffering and pain, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other losses. The case underscores the importance of working with a seasoned lawyer who can quickly assess whether a FELA claim is justified.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers who were exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers and other serious ailments. These substances are often concealed in the materials that railroads use to clean track and other rail yards. It can be difficult to identify them unless the railroad company examines for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another illness caused by exposure to carcinogenic materials at work, he can apply for a FELA and receive compensation from the company he worked for previously.
Research has revealed that workers in the railroad industry are more likely to develop a variety of cancers than other people. cancer lawsuits is due to being constantly exposed to toxic substances that can lead to lung cancers, such as asbestos as well as Sand dust (silica) as well as welding fumes, diesel fumes, and creosote.
A lawyer for railroads is recommended to be consulted as soon as is possible by railroad employees who have been diagnosed as having cancer as a result of exposure during their work. They can help them determine whether they have a claim against the former employer and initiate the appropriate lawsuits based on FELA. These claims can be based on compensation for medical expenses or loss of income, as well as suffering and pain. They also can compensate for the death of a loved in an wrongful-death case. A skilled railroad attorney can assist victims get the maximum amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Engineers, conductors, and train crew members work in dangerous environments where they could damage their lungs without even realizing. If a former railroad employee has contracted an illness, such as lung cancer or another disease that could have been related to their job or work, they may be eligible to file for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
In contrast to workers' compensation, FELA allows railroad employees who have been injured to sue. This includes future and past medical costs and emotional suffering. An attorney who is familiar with FELA regulations can tell you the options.
To be successful in a FELA claim it is necessary to prove that your employer acted negligently. cancer lawsuit 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 contributed to your condition.
There are a variety of lung diseases and illnesses could be attributed to exposures to railroads. If you were exposed during your career as a railroad worker to diesel exhaust or other toxins like asbestos, creosote, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer will help you file an application for compensation under the FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past, and have resulted in a variety verdicts and settlements.