FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to harmful chemicals such as diesel exhaust fumes, coal vapors, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing a serious illness, including cancer. A successful FELA case can award damages to pay medical expenses, income loss and pain and suffering.
A railroad worker who was diagnosed with leukemia was recently awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one illustration of how the justice system is standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers often work with chemical solvents and other hazardous materials, including benzene. The liquid, which is extremely evaporative can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a variety of medical conditions, including cancer and blood-related cancers like Lymphoma and leukemia, as well as bone-marrow disease. It is also a cancer-causing substance and a component of coal tar creosote, which is used to protect railroad ties from heat, sunlight and rain.
A former railroad worker claimed that 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 awarded him $7.5 million in September.
People who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that result from exposure to asbestos, benzene radioactive substances, and other toxic chemicals have the right to make a claim for compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations will vary, therefore it is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as is possible.
A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is a valid FELA claim. We provide free consultations and are familiar with FELA railway workplaces, FELA and the hazardous cancer-causing substances that railroad employees are exposed to on a daily basis.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with lung cancer and other health issues caused by asbestos exposure. They frequently worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards, on derailed rail cars or track equipment that contained asbestos insulation that was becoming degraded. This type of asbestos could be particularly hazardous, since when it deteriorates tiny fibers are released into the air. The fibers are breathed in by railroad employees and can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as asbestosis and the pleural plaque.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also at high risk for developing lung diseases due to diesel exhaust as well as exposure to other workplace toxins, such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. The particles and fumes that are emitted from these workplaces can harm the kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and blood cells. csx railroad lawsuit are often discovered after years of exposure and can lead to several severe and debilitating medical conditions.
A recent case against Conrail exposes 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 a former railway worker who was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages to cover the pain and suffering, companionship loss, future medical expenses and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney who can quickly determine whether a FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
Anyone exposed to radioactive materials might develop cancers or serious ailments. These substances are typically hidden in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. They are often difficult to detect unless the railroad company is testing them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad employee is diagnosed with cancer or a different illness caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on their job, they can make an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Railroad workers are more likely than other people to develop cancer. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to toxins that could cause lung cancers, such as asbestos as well as Sand dust (silica) and welding fumes, diesel fumes, and creosote.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the consequence of exposure to the workplace should speak to an attorney from the railroad as soon as they can. They can assist them in determining if there is a claim against the former employer and make the appropriate lawsuits that are based on FELA. These lawsuits can cover reimbursement for medical expenses as well as loss of income and pain and suffering. In addition, they can compensate for the loss of a loved one's life in an wrongful-death claim. An experienced railroad lawyer 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 exposed to hazardous conditions which can cause lung damage without realizing it. If a former railroad employee is suffering from an illness such as lung cancer or another illness which could be linked to their job and work, they could be eligible to file for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Unlike workers' compensation, FELA allows railroad workers who have been injured to sue. This includes past and future medical costs and emotional suffering. An attorney who is familiar with FELA rules can inform you the options.
To be successful in a FELA claim it is necessary to prove that your employer was negligent. Negligence may involve breaking a rule or law or not meeting a reasonable standard of care, and so on. A knowledgeable FELA lawyer can review your case to determine if the railroad's negligence contributed to your condition.
Railroad exposure can cause variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed during your railroad work to diesel exhaust or other toxins like creosote, asbestos, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in filing an action for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have resulted into a variety of settlements and verdicts.
