FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers 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 case could award damages to pay medical expenses, income loss as well as pain and suffering.
cancer lawsuit awarded $7.5 Million to a railroad worker who developed Leukemia. This is only one instance of how the justice system defends for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers often work with chemical solvents and other dangerous substances, such as benzene. Benzene is a highly evaporative liquid that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It is associated with a variety of 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 shield railroad tieways from heat, sunlight, rain and snow.
A former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene while working with coal-tar creosote to make railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave him $7.5 million in September.
Those who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from daily exposure to asbestos, benzene radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals are able to submit a claim for compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations could differ, so it is imperative to speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as is possible.
Leukemia lawsuit at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if 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. Leukemia lawsuit worked in areas such as repair shops, engine room and yards, or on track equipment or derailed rail cars that had asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos can be particularly dangerous, because when it is degraded, tiny fibers are released in the air. These fibers are inhaled by railway workers and may 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. The particles and fumes that are emitted from these workplaces can damage the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well as blood cells. These injuries are often diagnosed many years after an employee's initial exposure, and can lead to many serious and debilitating medical conditions.
A recent case against Conrail highlights the risks associated with this type of work. cancer lawsuits upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against Conrail, a railroad company, for an ex-railway worker who died of mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for his pain and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical costs and other expenses. This case highlights the importance of working with an experienced attorney who can quickly determine whether an FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
People who are exposed to radioactive substances might develop cancers or serious illnesses. These substances are often hidden in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. It is often difficult to detect them unless the railroad's company checks for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railway worker is diagnosed with cancer or another condition caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, they may submit an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Research has revealed that railroad workers are much more likely to develop different types of cancers than other people. Bladder cancer lawsuit are continuously exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos, sand (silica) as well as welding fumes and diesel.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of exposure to radiation on the job should speak to an attorney from the railroad as soon as is possible. They can help them determine if they have a claim against their former employers and make the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These claims could include compensation for medical expenses loss of income, as well as pain and discomfort. In addition, they can pay for the loss of a loved one as part of an wrongful-death claim. A knowledgeable railroad lawyer can assist victims receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers, such as engineers, conductors, and train crew members often work in hazardous environments that can damage lungs without realizing it. If a former railroad employee has contracted an illness, such as lung cancer or another disease which could be linked to their job and work, they could be eligible to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Contrary to workers' compensation FELA allows railroad employees who have been injured to file a lawsuit. This includes past and future emotional and medical expenses. An attorney knowledgeable of FELA regulations can tell you the options available to.
In order to win a FELA lawsuit, you will be required to prove that your employer acted in a negligent manner. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law, failing to meet the acceptable standards of care, and many more. A FELA lawyer can review your case and determine if railroad negligence contributed to your illness.
Railroad exposure can cause a variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, creosote or any other toxic substances during your time working on the railway, a mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced can help you file for compensation under FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past, and they have resulted in a variety verdicts and settlements.
