FELA and Railroad Lawsuits

Railroad workers who are exposed to harmful chemicals such as diesel exhaust benzene, coal fumes or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness including cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages that cover medical expenses, loss of income suffering and more.

A railroad worker suffering from leukemia recently received $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one example of how the justice system stands up for the victims.

Benzene

Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous substances and chemical solvents, which include benzene. Benzene, a liquid that is highly evaporative is absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It is linked to a number medical conditions including cancer and blood-related cancers like leukemia and Lymphoma, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a carcinogen as well as is a component of coal creosote, which is used to protect railroad tieways from heat, sunlight rain, and snow.

One former rail worker claimed his exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties caused Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which eventually developed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave the man $7.5 million in September of the year before.

Anyone diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from daily exposure to benzene, asbestos, radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals are able to file a claim for compensation under FELA. The statute of limitations may vary depending on the type and extent of the cancer or disease. It is crucial to consult an experienced attorney whenever you can.

A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer no-cost consultations, and railroad Lawsuit Scleroderma we are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.

Asbestos

Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer and other health conditions due to asbestos exposure. They typically worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards or on rail cars with derailments or on track equipment that was asbestos insulation that was becoming degraded. This type of asbestos is extremely dangerous since, when it begins to degrade tiny fibers are released into air. These fibers are inhaled by workers on railroads and can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer asbestosis and pleural plaque.

In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also at risk of developing lung diseases due to diesel exhaust and exposure to other workplace toxics such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. The particles and fumes that are emitted from these workplaces can harm the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well as blood cells. These injuries can be detected years after the initial exposure and can lead to a myriad of serious and debilitating conditions.

The recent case against Conrail illustrates the risks associated with this type work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against Conrail for an ex-railway employee who died from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for his suffering and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working with an experienced lawyer who can quickly assess whether a FELA claim is warranted.

Radioactive Substances

People exposed to radioactive substances may develop cancers or other serious diseases. These substances are often hidden in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. It is often difficult to detect them unless the railroad company actively examines for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railway worker is diagnosed with cancer or another condition due to exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, they may file a FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.

Railroad workers are more prone than others to develop cancers. This is due to being constantly exposed to toxic substances that can cause lung cancers, such as asbestos, Railroad Lawsuit Scleroderma sand dust (silica), welding fumes, diesel fumes, and creosote.

Railroad lawsuit scleroderma (https://sites.google.com) employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of on-the-job exposure should consult an attorney for railroads as soon as they can. They can assist them in determining if they have a claim against their former employers and make the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These claims can include the payment of medical expenses and income loss as well as suffering and pain. They may also be compensated for the death of a loved one through an wrongful-death case. A knowledgeable railroad lawyer can help victims get the maximum amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.

FELA

Conductors, engineers and train crew members work in hazardous environments where they could damage their lungs and not even realize it. If a former railroad employee is suffering from an illness such as lung cancer or another condition that could be connected to their job, they may be able to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

Contrary to workers' compensation FELA allows railroad employees who are injured to file a lawsuit. This includes future and past emotional and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with FELA regulations can tell you the options.

In order to win a FELA lawsuit, you will need to prove that the employer acted negligently in a way. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law and not meeting the acceptable standards of care, and more. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether railroad negligence was the cause of your condition.

Railroad exposure can trigger a variety of lung diseases. If you were exposed during your railroad work to diesel exhaust or other toxic substances like creosote, asbestos, or creosote mesothelioma lawyers can help you file an action for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of verdicts and settlements.