FELA and Railroad Lawsuits

Railroad workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals such as coal fumes diesel exhaust benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing a serious illness like cancer. A successful FELA claim could award damages that cover medical expenses loss of income pain and suffering, among other things.

A railroad worker suffering from leukemia recently received $7.5 million from union pacific railroad lawsuits union pacific railroad lawsuit. This is just one illustration of how the justice system fights for the victims.

Benzene

Railroad workers are often exposed to chemical solvents as well as other hazardous substances, such as benzene. It is a highly evaporated liquid that is absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a range of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and bone marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen and an ingredient in coal tar creosote. It is 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 to create railroad ties, lead to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia. A jury handed the man $7.5 million in September last year.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases because of their exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos as well as other hazardous chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness, the statute of limitations will vary, therefore it is essential to speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as possible.

Shaw Cowart's railroad lawyers can assist you in determining whether your case is a candidate to be an FELA class action lawsuit against railroads. We offer free consultations and we are knowledgeable about FELA and railroad workplaces.

Asbestos

Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with lung cancer or other health conditions as a result of asbestos exposure. They worked in areas such as repair shops, engine room and yards, or on track equipment or rail cars that had asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos can be particularly dangerous, because when it is degraded, tiny fibers are released in the air. The fibers can be breathed in by railroad workers and can cause mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related health issues like lung cancer, asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.

In addition to asbestos railroad workers are at high risk for developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust and exposure to other workplace toxins, such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes and particles can damage the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract as well as blood cells. These injuries are often discovered several years after the initial exposure and can lead to various serious and debilitating medical conditions.

A recent case involving Conrail highlights the dangers of this type of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to the railroad company for an ex-railway employee who died from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages to compensate for pain and suffering as well as companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. This case illustrates the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney that can quickly determine if an FELA claims is warranted.

Radioactive Substances

Railroad workers who have been exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious diseases. These substances are often hidden in the materials that railroads employ to clean track and other rail yards. They can be difficult to identify unless a railroad company is actively checking them for alpha and the gamma radiation. If a railway worker is diagnosed with cancer or another disease caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances on their job, they can submit an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.

Research has revealed that railroad workers are more likely to develop different types of cancers than other people. This is because they are constantly exposed to chemicals that can lead to lung cancer, like asbestos and the sand dust (silica) as well as diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote.

A railroad lawyer should be consulted as soon as is possible by railroad employees who have been diagnosed as having cancer as a result of exposure to radiation during their work. They can assist them in determining whether they have a right to claim against their former employers and make the appropriate lawsuits against union pacific railroad under FELA. These claims can be based on compensation for medical expenses and income loss as well as pain and suffering. They may also be compensated for the death of a loved one as a wrongful-death claim. A railroad lawyer with experience can help victims receive the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to, under FELA.

FELA

Engineers, conductors, and train crew members work in dangerous environments where they could damage their lungs without even realizing. If a former railroad worker has been diagnosed with an illness such as lung cancer or a different condition that could be related to their job it is possible to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

Unlike workers' compensation, Lawsuit FELA allows railroad workers who are injured to file a lawsuit. This includes past and future medical costs and emotional suffering. An attorney who is knowledgeable about FELA rules can inform you the options.

To win a FELA lawsuit, you will need to prove that the employer acted negligently in a manner. Negligence could mean breaking a rule or law, failing to meet an acceptable standard of care and more. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if railroad negligence was a factor in your condition.

Railroad exposure can lead to a variety of lung diseases. If you were exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos, creosote and other toxins throughout your career on the railroad, a qualified mesothelioma attorney can help you file for compensation under FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past, and have resulted in a variety verdicts and settlements.