FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Workers exposed to harmful chemicals like diesel exhaust, coal fumes or asbestos can develop serious illnesses including cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages to compensate for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering.
A railroad worker who contracted leukemia recently received $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one instance of how the justice system is standing up for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous substances and chemical solvents, which include benzene. Benzene, a liquid that is highly evaporative, can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It has been linked with a number medical conditions including cancer and blood-related 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, a substance used to protect railroad ties from heat, sunlight, rain and snow.
A former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene while working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties resulted in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), that progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury handed the man $7.5 million in September last year.
Bladder cancer lawsuit who has been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses due to daily exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos, and other hazardous chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Based on the type of cancer or illness the time limit for filing a claim may vary, so it is imperative to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as you can.
A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations and are familiar with FELA, railroad workplaces and the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad employees are exposed to every day.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who suffered from lung cancer and other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They typically worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards as well as on rail cars that were damaged or track equipment that was asbestos insulation that was degrading. This type of asbestos can be extremely hazardous, as when it degrades, tiny fibers are released in the air. These fibers are inhaled by railroad employees and can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases due to diesel exhaust, silica sand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can be diagnosed many years after the initial exposure and can result in to a myriad of serious and debilitating ailments.
The recent case against Conrail exposes the risks associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in respect of a former railway worker who was diagnosed with mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages for his suffering and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical costs and other expenses. The case highlights the importance to work with an experienced lawyer who can quickly assess whether a FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers who were exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious diseases. The substances are usually hidden in the materials railroads use to clean track and other rail yards. They can be difficult to spot unless the railroad company is testing them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If cancer lawsuits develops cancer or another illness caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals while on the job, he can apply for a FELA and receive compensation from the company he worked for previously.
Railroad workers are more prone than others to develop cancer. They are exposed to toxic substances that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos and sand (silica) as well as welding fumes or diesel fumes.
union pacific railroad lawsuit should be consulted as quickly as possible by railroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure during their work. They can help them determine whether they have a right to claim against their former employers and make the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These claims can include compensation for medical costs and income loss as well as pain and suffering. Additionally, they may compensate for the loss of a loved one's life in a wrongful death case. A railroad lawyer with experience can help victims get the maximum amount of damages that they are entitled to, under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers, such as engineers, conductors and train crew members frequently work in dangerous environments which can cause lung damage without realizing it. Former railroad employees who have developed lung cancer or other conditions that could have been caused by their job can file for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
Unlike workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees as well as the families of deceased employees to file lawsuits for damages that include past and future emotional suffering and medical expenses. A lawyer familiar with regulations under FELA could provide you with options to file.
To be cancer lawsuits in a FELA claim you must show that your employer was negligent. The definition of negligence can include breaking a rule or law or failing to adhere to a reasonable standard of care, and many more. A competent FELA lawyer can evaluate 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 illnesses. If you were exposed during your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxins, such as asbestos, creosote, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer could assist you in filing an action for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have resulted into a variety of verdicts and settlements.