FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers exposed to harmful chemicals such as coal fumes diesel exhaust benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness like cancer. A successful FELA claim could be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, income loss suffering and more.
A railroad worker who was diagnosed with leukemia was recently awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is just one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
union pacific railroad lawsuit are often exposed to hazardous substances and chemical solvents, such as benzene. It is a highly evaporative liquid that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked with a variety of medical conditions, including cancer blood-related cancers, such as Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a substance that causes cancer and a component in coal tar creosote which is used to protect railroad ties from heat, sunlight and rain.
One former rail worker claimed his exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote railroad ties resulted in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which progressed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury handed the man $7.5 million in September last year.
People who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases due to daily exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos, and other hazardous chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations could differ, so it is imperative to consult a seasoned lawyer as quickly as you can.
A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is a valid FELA claim. We provide free consultations and are well-versed with FELA and railroad workplaces as well as the dangerous cancer-causing substances many railroad employees are exposed to on a daily basis.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with lung cancer and other health issues caused by asbestos exposure. They were often employed in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms, and yards or on rail cars with derailments or track equipment with asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This type of asbestos is especially dangerous since, when it begins to degrade tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers could be inhaled by railroad workers and cause mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer asbestosis, pleural plaque and fibrosis.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung cancer due to diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These particles and fumes could cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well as blood cells. These injuries can be detected many years after the initial exposure, and can cause to debilitating and serious ailments.
A recent case involving Conrail exposes the dangers of this type of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to Conrail for an employee of the railroad who passed away from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to cover pain and suffering along with companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working with a seasoned attorney who can quickly determine whether a FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers and other serious diseases. These substances are often hidden in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. It can be difficult to recognize them unless the railroad company actively checks for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad employee develops cancer or another illness caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals while on the job, he can file a FELA and receive compensation from the former employer.
Railroad workers are more likely than others to develop cancers. This is due to being constantly exposed to toxic substances that can cause lung cancer, like asbestos dust, sand dust (silica) as well as diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of on-the-job exposure should consult a railroad lawyer as soon as they can. They can assist them in determining if there is a claim against the former employer and initiate the appropriate lawsuits that are based on FELA. These claims can be based on compensation for medical expenses, loss of income and suffering and pain. They may also seek compensation for the loss of a loved one as a wrongful-death claim. A railroad lawyer with experience will assist victims to receive the maximum amount of the damages they are entitled to, under FELA.
FELA
Conductors, engineers, and train crew members work in hazardous environments where they can damage their lungs without even realizing. If a former railroad worker has been diagnosed with an illness such as lung cancer or another disease that could have been related to their work it is possible to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to seek damages for past and future emotional suffering and medical expenses. An attorney who is knowledgeable about FELA regulations could explain to you the options available to.
In order to win a FELA lawsuit, you will have to prove that your employer acted negligently in a way. Negligence could mean breaking a rule or law and not observing an acceptable standard of care, and many more. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether railroad negligence caused your illness.
Railroad exposure can cause variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust creosote or other toxins during your employment on the railroad, a reputable mesothelioma lawyer can help you file for compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices have resulted in a range of verdicts and settlements.