FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers 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 claim can award damages to pay medical expenses, lost income as well as pain and suffering.
A railroad worker who developed leukemia recently received $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is just one instance of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents like benzene. Benzene is a highly evaporative liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. It is linked to several medical conditions like cancer blood-related cancers, such as leukemia and Lymphoma, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a carcinogen as well as a component of coal tar creosote, a substance used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat, rain and snow.
A former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene while working with coal-tar creosote in order to create railroad ties, lead to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave the man $7.5 million in September the year before.
Those who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that result from daily exposure to benzene, asbestos radioactive substances and other harmful chemicals are able to seek compensation under FELA. The time period for filing claims can vary based on the type and severity of the cancer or illness. It is imperative to seek out an experienced lawyer as soon as you can.
A railroad attorney from Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations and are well-versed with FELA, railroad workplaces and the hazardous cancer-causing substances that railroad workers face every day.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer and other health issues caused by asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards, on derailed rail cars or track equipment that had deteriorating asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos is extremely dangerous because, when it deteriorates, tiny fibers are released into the air. The fibers can be breathed in by workers on railroads and cause mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related health issues including lung cancer, asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung disease from diesel exhaust, silicasand, and welding fumes. These fumes and particles can damage the kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and blood cells. These injuries can be identified years after the initial exposure and can cause various serious and debilitating ailments.
A recent case against Conrail exposes the dangers of this type of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against the railroad company for an employee of the railroad who passed away from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to compensate for pain and suffering along with companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. This case emphasizes the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney who can quickly determine whether an FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
People who are exposed to radioactive substances can develop cancers or other serious ailments. These substances are often concealed in the materials that railroads employ to clean tracks and other rail yards. They can be difficult to spot unless the railroad company is testing them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad employee develops cancer or suffers from another illness triggered by exposure to carcinogenic materials while on the job, he can make an 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. This is due to being constantly exposed to toxins that could cause lung cancers, such as asbestos as well as sand dust (silica) as well as welding fumes, diesel 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. They can assist them in determining if there is a claim against the former employer and initiate the appropriate lawsuits that are based on FELA. These lawsuits could result in reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income, as well as pain and discomfort. They may also seek compensation for the loss of a loved in an wrongful-death case. A railroad lawyer with experience will assist victims to receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to, under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers such as engineers, conductors, and members of train crews often work in hazardous environments that can damage lungs without even realizing it. Former railroad employees who have developed lung cancer or other ailments which could be caused by their work can claim compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees as well as the families of deceased employees to file lawsuits for damages that include past and future emotional suffering and medical expenses. csx railroad lawsuit of FELA regulations could explain to you your options.
To be successful in a FELA claim you must prove that your employer acted negligently. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law or failing to adhere to the reasonable standards of care and more. A skilled FELA lawyer can evaluate your case to determine whether negligence by the railroad caused your illness.
Railroad exposure can cause a variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed during your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxins, such as creosote, asbestos, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer can help you file an action for compensation under the FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past, and they have resulted in a variety verdicts and settlements.