FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People who are exposed to toxic chemicals like coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos can develop serious illnesses, including cancer. A successful FELA case could award damages to compensate for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.
A railroad worker who was diagnosed with leukemia was recently awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one illustration of how the justice system fights for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers frequently work with chemical solvents and other dangerous materials, including benzene. The liquid, which is extremely evaporative can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, and bone marrow diseases. It is also a cancer-causing agent and part of coal tar creosote. It's used to shield railroad tieways from heat, sunlight snow, rain, and sunlight.
A former railway worker claimed that exposure to benzene working with coal-tar creosote to create railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded the man $7.5 million in September of 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, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the type of cancer or illness the statute of limitation will vary, therefore it is imperative to consult a seasoned 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 provide free consultations, and we are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with lung cancer and other illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms, and yards, on derailed rail cars or on track equipment with asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous because, when it gets deteriorated, tiny fibers are released into the air. The fibers are breathed in by railway workers and may cause mesothelioma, lung cancer asbestosis and the pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung cancer from diesel exhaust, silica sand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often identified many years after an employee's initial exposure, and can lead to many grave and debilitating health conditions.
A recent case against Conrail exposes the dangers of this kind of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to Conrail for an employee of the railroad who died from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for his pain and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other losses. This case emphasizes the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney that can quickly determine whether the FELA claims is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
Workers exposed to radioactive substances might develop cancers or serious illnesses. These substances are typically hidden in the materials railroads employ to clean track and other rail yards. They can be difficult to identify unless the railroad company is actively testing them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another condition that is the result of exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, they are able to file a FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Railroad workers are more prone than others to develop cancer. They are continuously exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos, Sand (silica) as well as welding fumes or diesel fumes.
A railroad lawyer should be consulted as soon as possible by railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure on the job. They can assist them in determining if there is a claim against the former employer and file the appropriate lawsuits based on FELA. These claims could include reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income, discomfort and pain. In addition, they could pay for the loss of a loved one as part of the event of wrongful death. A railroad lawyer with experience can assist victims in obtaining the full amount of damages that they are entitled to, under FELA.
FELA
Conductors, engineers, and train crew members work in hazardous situations where they may damage their lungs without realizing it. If a former railroad worker has been diagnosed with an illness such as lung cancer or another condition that could be related to their job, they may be able to seek compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
In contrast to workers' compensation, FELA permits railroad employees who are injured to file a lawsuit. This includes future and past emotional and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with the rules of FELA could provide you with options for filing.
In order to be successful in a FELA claim you must show that your employer was negligent. Negligence can include breaking a law or rule or not achieving an acceptable standard of care, and much more. class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad can review your case and determine if railroad negligence was a factor in your illness.
There are a variety of lung diseases and illnesses can be attributed to exposures to railroads. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, creosote and other toxins throughout your time working on the railroad, a reputable mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in obtaining compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have resulted in a range of verdicts and settlements.
