FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Workers exposed to harmful chemicals like coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos could develop serious illnesses, including cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages that will cover medical expenses, income loss discomfort and more.
Kidney cancer lawsuit awarded $7.5 Million to an employee of the railroad who contracted Leukemia. This is only one example of how the justice system fights for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to dangerous substances and chemical solvents, which include benzene. The evaporation rate of benzene is high. liquid that is absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including blood cancers, cancers of the blood like leukemia and lymphoma, and bone marrow disease. It can also be a cancer-causing agent and is a component of coal tar creosote which is used to shield railroad ties from sunlight, heat and rain.
A former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene while working with coal-tar creosote to create railroad ties, lead to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave him $7.5 million in September.
People who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from daily exposure to benzene, asbestos, radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals can submit a claim for compensation under FELA. Depending on mesothelioma lawsuit of cancer or illness, the statute of limitations may vary, so it is important to consult a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible.
A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is a valid FELA claim. We offer no-cost consultations and are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces as well as the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad employees face on a daily basis.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer, as well as other health issues due to asbestos exposure. They were often employed in areas like repair shops, engine rooms, and yards and on rail cars that had been damaged or track equipment that contained deteriorating asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos is especially dangerous because, when it gets deteriorated, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers could be inhaled by railroad workers and can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also at risk of developing lung diseases due to diesel exhaust as well as exposure to other workplace toxins such as solvents, welding fumes and silica sand. The particles and fumes that are emitted from these workplaces can damage the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract as well as blood cells. These injuries are usually discovered after years of exposure and can result in several serious and debilitating medical issues.
Recent cases against Conrail highlights the dangers associated with this type 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. A jury awarded damages for his suffering and pain, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other losses. The case underscores the importance of working with an experienced attorney who can quickly evaluate whether a FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
People exposed to radioactive substances can develop cancers or other serious ailments. These substances are typically hidden in the materials that railroads employ to clean track and other rail yards. It is often difficult to spot them unless the railroad's business actively checks for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another illness that was caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, they may submit a FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Research has shown that railway workers are more likely to develop various types of cancer than other people. This is due to being constantly exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer, such as asbestos and Sand dust (silica), diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of on-the-job exposure should consult an attorney from the railroad as soon as possible. They can help them determine whether they have a right to claim against their former employers and file the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These claims could include compensation for medical expenses loss of income, and pain and discomfort. They may also seek compensation for the loss of a loved one through an wrongful-death case. An experienced railroad attorney can assist victims get the maximum amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Engineers, conductors, and train crew members work in dangerous environments where they can damage their lungs, without even realizing it. If a former railroad worker has contracted an illness, such as lung cancer or a different condition that could have been related to their work or work, they may be eligible to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Contrary to workers' compensation FELA permits railroad employees who are injured to file a lawsuit. This includes future and past emotional and medical expenses. An attorney who is knowledgeable about FELA rules can inform you your options.
In order to be successful in a FELA claim you must show that your employer was negligent. It could be a matter of breaking a law or rule or not meeting an acceptable standard of care and more. A FELA lawyer can review your case and determine if railroad negligence was the cause of your condition.
There are a variety of lung diseases and illnesses could be attributed to exposures from railroads. If you were exposed during your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxic substances like asbestos, creosote, or creosote mesothelioma lawyers can assist you in filing claims for compensation under the FELA. Multiple myeloma lawsuit handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of verdicts and settlements.