FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People who are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos may develop serious illnesses, including cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages to cover medical expenses, income loss, pain and suffering.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of its railroad workers who was diagnosed with Leukemia. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements is only one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents like benzene. The evaporation rate of benzene is high. liquid that is absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It is associated with several medical conditions like cancer blood-related cancers, such as Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow disease. It is also a cancer-causing chemical and is a component of coal tar creosote which is used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat and rain.
A former rail worker claimed that 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 awarded the man $7.5 million in September last year.
People who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses because of their exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos and other toxic chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. The statute of limitations may vary depending on the type and degree of cancer or disease. It is imperative to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
A railroad attorney at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer no-cost consultations, and we are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer, as well as other health issues caused by asbestos exposure. They frequently worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms, and yards or on rail cars with derailments or track equipment that was deteriorating asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos can be extremely hazardous, as when it deteriorates tiny fibers are released in the air. The fibers are breathed in by railway workers and may cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung disease from diesel exhaust, silica sand, and welding fumes. These fumes can cause harm to the kidneys, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can be detected many years after the initial exposure and can result in to debilitating and serious ailments.
A recent case involving Conrail highlights the dangers of this kind of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against the railroad company in respect of an ex-railway worker who passed away from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages for his suffering and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other expenses. The case highlights the importance of working with a seasoned attorney who is able to quickly assess whether an FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
People who are exposed to radioactive substances may develop cancers or other serious diseases. They are often concealed in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. It can be difficult to detect them unless the railroad's company tests for Gamma and Alpha radiation. When a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or a different illness that is the result of exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, they may file an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Research has shown that railroad workers are much more likely to develop different types of cancers than other people. They are constantly exposed toxic substances that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos or Sand (silica) as well as welding fumes, or diesel fumes.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of exposure on the job should speak to an attorney for railroads as soon as they can. They can assist them in determining whether they have a claim against their former employers and file the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These lawsuits can cover compensation for medical expenses or loss of income, as well as suffering and pain. They may also seek compensation for the death of a loved one through the case of wrongful death. A knowledgeable railroad lawyer can help victims get the maximum amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers such as engineers, conductors, and members of train crews often work in hazardous environments which can cause lung damage without realizing it. If a former railroad employee is suffering from an illness such as lung cancer or another disease that could be related to their work it is possible to file for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees as well as the families of deceased employees to pursue claims for damages, including past and future medical expenses and emotional suffering. A lawyer familiar with rules under FELA can explain your options for filing.
In order to be successful in a FELA claim you must prove that your employer was negligent. The definition of negligence can be as simple as breaking a rule or law and not meeting the acceptable standards of care, and many more. A knowledgeable FELA lawyer will review your case to determine whether negligence on the part of the railroad was a factor in the triggering of your illness.
Railroad exposure can cause a variety of lung diseases. If you were exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos, creosote, or other toxins during your employment on the railway, a mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced can assist you in obtaining compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices have resulted into a variety of settlements and verdicts.