FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to harmful chemicals such as coal fumes diesel exhaust benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing a serious illness such as cancer. A successful FELA case could award damages to compensate for medical expenses, income loss, pain and suffering.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to a railroad worker who developed Leukemia. This is only one example of how the justice system fights for the injured.
Benzene
Railroad workers often work with chemical solvents, as well as other hazardous substances, such as benzene. It is a highly evaporated liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. It is linked to various medical conditions, including cancer, blood-related cancers such as leukemia and Lymphoma, and bone-marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen and a component of coal tar creosote. It is used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat snow, rain, and sunlight.
A former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene while working with coal-tar creosote to create 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.
People who have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic illnesses due to daily exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. The statute of limitations may differ based on the nature and severity of the cancer or illness. It is imperative to consult with an experienced attorney whenever you can.
Bladder cancer lawsuit at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is a valid FELA claim. We offer free consultations, and we are knowledgeable about FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer and other health issues caused by asbestos exposure. They typically worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms, and yards and on rail cars that had been damaged or track equipment with asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This type of asbestos is extremely dangerous because, when it deteriorates, tiny fibers are released into air. cancer lawsuit are breathed in by workers on railroads and can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as asbestosis, and pleural plaque.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also at high risk for developing lung ailments due to diesel exhaust and exposure to other workplace toxins such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes and particles can harm the kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and blood cells. These injuries are often diagnosed years after the initial exposure and can cause to debilitating and serious ailments.
A recent case against Conrail highlights the dangers associated with this kind of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to Conrail for an ex-railway employee who died of mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for suffering and pain, as well as loss of companionship, future medical costs and other losses. This case emphasizes the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney who will quickly determine if a FELA claims is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
People exposed to radioactive substances may develop cancers or other serious ailments. They are often concealed in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. They can be difficult to detect unless the railroad company is actively testing them for alpha and the gamma radiation. If a railway worker develops cancer or suffers from another illness triggered by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals during their work, they could apply for an FELA and receive compensation from the former employer.
Studies have shown that railroad workers are more likely to develop various cancers than other people. They are constantly exposed toxic substances that can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos or the mineral sand (silica) diesel fumes or welding fumes.
cancer lawsuit must be sought out as soon as is possible by railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer because of exposure during their work. They can assist them in determining whether they have a case against the former employer and make the appropriate lawsuits in accordance with FELA. These claims can be based on reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering. Additionally, they can pay for the loss of a loved one's life in an wrongful-death claim. An experienced railroad attorney can help 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 and not even realize it. Former railroad workers who developed lung cancer or any other condition that could have been caused by their job can file for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
In contrast to workers' compensation, FELA permits railroad employees who have been injured to sue. This includes future and past medical costs and emotional suffering. An attorney who is familiar with the regulations under FELA could provide you with options for filing.
To win a FELA lawsuit, you will need to prove that the employer acted negligently in a manner. Negligence could include breaking a law or rule or failing to meet an acceptable standard of care, or any other. A FELA lawyer will review your case and determine whether railroad negligence contributed to your condition.
There are a variety of lung diseases and illnesses could be linked to railroad exposures. If you were exposed during your career as a railroad worker to diesel exhaust or other toxic substances like creosote, asbestos, or creosote mesothelioma lawyers can assist you in filing an application for compensation under the FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past and have resulted in a variety settlements and verdicts.