FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers exposed to toxic chemicals, such as diesel exhaust fumes, coal vapors, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness such as cancer. A successful FELA case could be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of its railroad workers who was diagnosed with Leukemia. This is just one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to hazardous substances and chemical solvents, which include benzene. The liquid, which is extremely evaporative can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a range of medical diseases, such as cancer, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as bone marrow diseases. It is also a carcinogen, and is a component of coal creosote, which is used to shield railroad ties from heat, sunlight rain, and snow.
A former railroad worker claimed that exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which progressed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded the man $7.5 million in September of last year.
Those who have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic diseases due to daily exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances as well as other hazardous chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness, the statute of limitations can vary, which is why it is imperative to consult a seasoned lawyer as quickly as you can.
A railroad attorney at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations and we're familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad employees who suffered from lung cancer and other health conditions due to asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms, and yards as well as on rail cars that were damaged or on track equipment that contained deteriorating asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous because, when it gets deteriorated tiny fibers are released into air. These fibers are inhaled by railroad employees and can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as asbestosis, and pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases due to diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These particles and fumes could damage the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, as well as blood cells. These injuries can be diagnosed several years after exposure and can lead various serious and debilitating conditions.
Recent case against Conrail illustrates the risks associated with this type work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against the railroad company in respect of an ex-railway employee who died from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages to cover pain and suffering and companionship loss, as well as future medical expenses and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working with an experienced attorney who is able to quickly assess whether a FELA claim is legitimate.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious ailments. These substances are typically hidden in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. It can be difficult to identify them unless the railroad's business actively checks for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker develops cancer or another disease caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals during their work, they is able to apply for a FELA and receive compensation from the former employer.
Railroad workers are more likely than others to develop cancers. acute myeloid leukemia lawsuit are continuously exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos and Sand (silica) as well as welding fumes and diesel.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to radiation on the job should consult an attorney for railroads as soon as they can. pulmonary fibrosis lawsuit 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 the payment of medical expenses, loss of income, pain and discomfort. Additionally, they may pay for the loss of a loved one as part of a wrongful death claim. A railroad lawyer with experience can help victims get the maximum amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers, such as engineers, conductors and other members of the train crew are often exposed to hazardous conditions that can damage lungs without realizing it. Former railroad workers who developed lung cancer or another condition which could be caused by their job may apply for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to sue for damages including future and past emotional and medical expenses. railroad workers cancer lawsuit who is knowledgeable about FELA regulations could explain to you the options.
To prevail in a FELA lawsuit, you'll need to prove that your employer acted negligently in a way. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law and not observing an acceptable standard of care, and so on. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether railroad negligence contributed to your condition.
A variety of lung diseases and illnesses could be linked to railroad exposures. If you were exposed during your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxins such as creosote or asbestos creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in filing an action for compensation under the FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past and have resulted a variety of verdicts and settlements.