Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to carcinogens with a high risk of cancer. Exposure to toxic substances like diesel fuel, benzene and creosote has been linked with cancers and chronic illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer and bladder cancer.
If you or someone you care about has developed an illness that is serious and related to your involvement with railroads, contact a qualified railroad cancer attorney now for a free consultation.
Exposure to carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed various carcinogens that are dangerous on a regular basis. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuits against various railroad companies have been filed in large numbers. The lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act, which was enacted in 1908.
Plaintiffs who develop cancer as a result of exposure to work-related hazards may be eligible for compensation. An attorney for railroad injuries will review the claim of a victim and determine whether a FELA lawsuit is possible against the company that caused their illness.
Railroad workers may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages as well as other damages caused by their illness. A lawyer can help a client in bringing a lawsuit prior to the three-year deadline set by FELA.
Plaintiff James Brown alleges that he developed leukemia as a result of working for years on trains and being exposed to chemicals like creosote as well as degreasing solvents. He was employed on brake shoes tank cars, cabooses and brake shoes. He claims he walked over railroad ties that smelled like creosote, and saw plaques with skulls and crosses on train cars, which indicated toxic substances. He claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes during working on locomotive engines or in tunnels when he stopped. The toxins made his breathing difficult and caused headaches.
Failure to provide a safe Work Environment
Although railroad work has always been a high-risk job, new studies have revealed that many common railway occupational hazards are directly linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires that railroads provide their employees with adequate protection and guidance to ensure their safety. If they do not they could be held accountable for severe injuries that cause death or financial ruin.
You should seek legal counsel from a knowledgeable lawyer in the event that you were a railroad worker or if you know a loved-one who was. An attorney can help determine whether you have a legal claim that is because of your work-related exposure to carcinogens which are potentially deadly. There is a three-year period of limitations, therefore it is crucial to speak with a lawyer immediately.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers also are exposed to harmful chemicals like creosote and diesel fumes and exhaust. These harmful fumes are frequently the reason for cancer, including mesothelioma, as well as other lung diseases. If you have developed any of these illnesses it is essential to speak with a skilled railroad injury lawyer right away.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC as a carman/mechanic from September 1975 until December 2015. He claims that his position in the ICRC caused him to develop renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He alleges that he was continually exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride that is used by railroads to clean their tracks and braking systems.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit can be brought under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which permits railroad employees to file claims directly against their employers. To be legally entitled to damages, the worker must show that the railroad company was negligent in causing his or her injury or illness.
Plaintiff Greger was exposed, while working on the railroad, to a variety of toxic chemicals and environmental conditions. Carbon tetrachloride was utilized to clean rail and brake systems. He claims that the company did not take the time to warn him about the dangers of the chemical, which has been associated with cancer.
union pacific railroad lawsuit claims to have walked across rail ties which were coated in creosote. Bladder cancer lawsuit was known as harmful. He also breathed diesel fumes from the cabs of locomotives and claimed that the fumes "gagged him," made breathing difficult, and caused headaches. He claims to have been sickened by diesel exhaust while he was in tunnels while riding an engine.
He claims that when he sought out doctors about the connection between his railroad work kidney cancer, as well as his doctors, they refused to provide any information. He claims that this was negligence and that the railroad should have been aware of the link between these exposures and kidney cancer. He seeks compensation for his medical costs along with pain and suffering as well as lost earnings.
Damages
In a railroad cancer lawsuit damages are a mix between medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The amount of damages will differ based on the particular case. A skilled attorney will ensure that you receive full compensation for your losses.
In one instance one case, a man aged 51 was diagnosed with myelodysplastic disease (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He was maintenance of-way employees for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 until 2008 as a machinist. During this time, he endured years of exposure to benzene-laden chemicals, including creosote and degreasing solvents.
Railroad companies are legally accountable for ensuring compliance with workplace safety rules. This includes ensuring that workers are protected from carcinogens. If a railroad company does not comply in its duty the consequences for the those affected and their families can be devastating.
Hughes Law Offices has represented thousands of injured individuals, including railroad workers exposed to toxic fumes. Call us now to get a no-cost consultation with an experienced railroad injury attorney. Founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for the majority of his legal career, so He is knowledgeable about the laws that surround these claims and the dangers that may result from work exposure.