FELA and Railroad Lawsuits

People who are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos can develop serious illnesses including cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages that cover medical expenses, loss of income pain and suffering, among other things.

A railroad worker who was diagnosed with leukemia recently received $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is just one instance of how the justice system fights for the victims.

Benzene

Railroad workers are often exposed to hazardous substances and chemical solvents, which include benzene. Benzene, a highly-evaporative liquid is absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number 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, a substance used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat rain, and snow.

A former railroad worker claimed his exposure to benzene while working with coal tar creosote railroad ties caused Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), that progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded the man $7.5 million in September the year before.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases due to daily exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos, and other hazardous chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. The statute of limitations can vary based upon the type and severity of the cancer or disease. It is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as you can.

Shaw Cowart's railroad attorneys can help you determine if your case is a candidate for an FELA lawsuit. We provide free consultations and are familiar with FELA as well as railroad workplaces and the cancer-causing chemicals railroad lawsuit pancreatic cancer workers face every day.

Asbestos

Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer and other health conditions caused by asbestos exposure. They frequently worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms, and yards, on derailed rail cars or on track equipment that had deteriorating asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous since, when it begins to degrade tiny fibers are released into the air. The fibers can be breathed in by workers on railroads and cause mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.

In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also at high risk for developing lung diseases from 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 cause damage to the kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and blood cells. These injuries are often discovered years after a worker's initial exposure and can cause many serious and debilitating medical issues.

A recent case against Conrail exposes the risks associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against the railroad company for a former railway employee who passed away from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages for suffering and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney who can quickly assess whether an FELA claim is warranted.

Radioactive Substances

Railroad workers who are exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers and other serious ailments. These substances are often concealed in the materials that railroads use to clean track and other rail yards. They are often difficult to identify unless a railroad company is actively screening them for alpha and the gamma radiation. If a railroad worker develops cancer or another disease caused by exposure to carcinogenic materials during their work, settlements they can submit an FELA and receive compensation from his former employer.

Studies have shown that railway workers are more likely to develop various types of cancer than other people. This is because they are constantly exposed to toxins that could cause lung cancer, Settlements like asbestos and sand dust (silica), diesel fumes, welding fumes, and creosote.

A lawyer for railroads should be consulted as quickly as is possible by railroad lawsuit lymphoma employees who have been diagnosed as having cancer because of exposure on the job. They can help them determine whether they have a right to claim against their former employers and make the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These lawsuits can cover reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income and suffering and pain. In addition, they can compensate for the loss of a loved one's life in an wrongful-death claim. A skilled railroad lawsuit laryngeal cancer attorney can assist victims receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.

FELA

Conductors, engineers and train crew members work in hazardous environments where they could damage their lungs without even realizing. Former railroad employees who have developed lung cancer or another condition that could have been due to their work may claim compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).

As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees and families of deceased employees to pursue claims for damages, including future and past emotional and medical costs. A lawyer familiar with regulations under FELA could provide you with options to file.

To win a FELA lawsuit, you'll need to prove that your employer acted negligently in a manner. The definition of negligence can include breaking a rule or law or failing to adhere to an acceptable standard of care, and many more. A FELA lawyer can review your case and determine if railroad negligence caused your illness.

A variety of lung diseases and illnesses can be attributed to exposures to railroads. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, creosote, or other toxins during your employment on the railway and you are a mesothelioma patient, a certified attorney can assist you in filing for compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices have resulted into a variety of verdicts and settlements.