FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers 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 to pay medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering.
A railroad worker who contracted leukemia was recently awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one example of the justice system standing up for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to hazardous substances and chemical solvents like benzene. It is a highly evaporative liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. cancer lawsuits has been linked with several medical conditions like cancer, blood-related cancers such as Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow disease. It is also a cancer-causing substance and a component in coal tar creosote which is used to protect railroad ties from heat, sunlight and rain.
A former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene while working with coal-tar creosote to make railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia. A jury gave the man $7.5 million in September of last year.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses because of exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Based on the type of cancer or illness the statute of limitation can vary, which is why it is crucial to consult a seasoned lawyer as soon as is possible.
A railroad attorney from Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer no-cost consultations and are familiar with FELA, railroad workplaces and the hazardous cancer-causing substances that 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 worked in places like repair shops, engine room and yards, or on track equipment or derailed rail cars that contained asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos is extremely dangerous because, when it deteriorates, tiny fibers are released into air. Bladder cancer lawsuit are inhaled by railroad workers and cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust, silica sand, and welding fumes. The particles and fumes that are emitted from these workplaces can damage the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract, as well as blood cells. These injuries are often diagnosed several years after exposure and can result in a variety serious and debilitating diseases.
The recent case against Conrail shows the dangers associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against the railroad company in respect of an ex-railway worker who died from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other losses. This case emphasizes the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney that can quickly determine whether the FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
People exposed to radioactive substances can develop cancers or other serious ailments. They are often concealed in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. It can be difficult to recognize them unless the railroad's company tests for Gamma and Alpha radiation. If a railroad employee develops cancer or another disease caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, he can make an FELA and receive compensation from the former employer.
Bladder cancer lawsuit are more prone than others to develop cancer. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancers, such as asbestos as well as the sand dust (silica) and diesel fumes, welding fumes, and creosote.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure on the job should speak to a railroad lawyer as soon as they can. They can assist them in determining whether they have a right to claim against their former employers and submit the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These lawsuits could result in reimbursement for medical expenses, income loss, and pain and discomfort. They also can compensate for the loss of a loved one as a wrongful-death claim. An experienced railroad lawyer can assist victims receive the full amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Engineers, conductors and train crew members work in hazardous environments that can cause damage to their lungs without realizing it. If a former railroad worker has contracted an illness, such as lung cancer or a different condition that could be related to their job it is possible to seek compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
As opposed to workers' compensation FELA allows railroad workers who are injured to sue. This includes future and past emotional and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with the rules of FELA can explain your options for filing.
In Leukemia lawsuit to prevail in a FELA claim you must prove that your employer was negligent. It could be a matter of breaking a law or rule or failing to adhere to a reasonable standard of care, and many more. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if railroad negligence was the cause of your condition.
A variety of lung diseases and illnesses can be linked to railroad exposures. If you were exposed during your railroad work to diesel exhaust or other toxins such as creosote and asbestos or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer could assist you in filing an action for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have resulted in a range of settlements and verdicts.