FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as diesel exhaust benzene, coal fumes or asbestos are at risk of developing a serious illness, including cancer. A successful FELA lawsuit can award damages to pay medical costs, loss of income as well as 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 instance of how the justice system stands up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers often work with chemical solvents, as well as other hazardous substances, like benzene. It is a highly evaporative liquid that is absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a range of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, as well as bone marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen as well as is a component of coal creosote, which is used to shield railroad tracks from heat, sunlight, rain and snow.
A former railroad worker claimed that exposure to benzene working with coal-tar creosote create railroad ties, lead to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia. A jury awarded the man $7.5 million in September last year.
If you've been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from daily exposure to asbestos, benzene radioactive substances, and other toxic chemicals have the right to file a claim for compensation under FELA. Based on the type of cancer or illness the statute of limitations may vary, so it is important to consult a seasoned lawyer as quickly as you can.
A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations, and we are knowledgeable about FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with lung cancer or other health issues due to asbestos exposure. They typically worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards, on derailed rail cars or on track equipment that had asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This kind of asbestos can be extremely hazardous, as when it degrades, tiny fibers are released in the air. The fibers are breathed in by railroad employees and can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as asbestosis and pleural plaque.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers are at high risk for developing lung ailments due to diesel exhaust as well as exposure to other workplace toxins, such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often identified several years after the initial exposure and can result in several severe and debilitating medical conditions.
A recent case against Conrail highlights the risks associated with this type of 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 of mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to cover suffering and suffering along with companionship loss, future medical expenses and other losses. The case highlights the importance of working with an experienced attorney who is able to quickly assess whether an FELA claim is justified.
Radioactive Substances
People exposed to radioactive substances could develop cancer or other serious diseases. These substances are typically hidden in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. It can be difficult to recognize them unless the railroad's company screens for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railway worker develops cancer or another disease caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, he may apply for a FELA and receive compensation from his former employer.
Studies have shown that railroad workers are much more likely to develop various cancers than other people. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer, including asbestos dust, sand dust (silica) as well as diesel fumes, welding fumes, and creosote.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure on the job should consult an attorney for railroads as soon as they can. They can assist them in determining whether there is a legal claim against the former employer and initiate the appropriate lawsuits in accordance with FELA. These lawsuits could result in compensation for medical expenses loss of income, discomfort and pain. Additionally, they can pay for the loss of a loved one's life in the event of wrongful death. A skilled 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 dangerous environments where they could damage their lungs, without even realizing it. Former railroad workers who have developed lung cancer or another condition that may have been due to their work may file for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
In contrast to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees as well as the families of deceased employees to sue for damages including past and future emotional and medical costs. An attorney who is familiar with FELA regulations can explain to you the options available to.
In order to be successful in a FELA claim it is necessary to prove that your employer acted negligently. Negligence can include breaking a rule or law, failing to meet an acceptable standard of care, or any other. A FELA lawyer will review your case and determine if railroad negligence caused your condition.
Railroad exposure can lead to a variety of lung diseases. If you were exposed during your career as a railroad worker to diesel exhaust or other toxic substances like creosote, asbestos, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer could help you file an action for compensation under the FELA. lawsuits against union pacific railroad has handled FELA cases in the past, and they have resulted a variety of settlements and verdicts.