FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Workers exposed to toxic chemicals like diesel exhaust, coal fumes or asbestos could develop serious illnesses including cancer. A successful FELA claim can be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, loss of income pain and suffering, among other things.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of its railroad workers who was diagnosed with Leukemia. This is only one example of how the justice system is standing up for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents like benzene. It is a highly evaporated liquid that is absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number of medical ailments, including cancer, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma as well as bone marrow diseases. It is also a cancer-causing agent and an ingredient in coal tar creosote. It is used to shield railroad tieways from heat, sunlight snow, rain, and sunlight.
A former railway worker claimed that exposure to benzene while working with coal-tar creosote in order to create railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury handed him $7.5 million in September.
Those who have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic diseases because of their exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances as well as other hazardous chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations can vary, which is why it is crucial to speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as you can.
Shaw Cowart's railroad attorneys can help you determine if your case is eligible to be an FELA lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and we are knowledgeable about FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer or other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They typically worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards or on rail cars with derailments or on track equipment that had asbestos insulation that was degrading. This kind of asbestos is particularly hazardous because, as it degrades tiny fibers are released into air. These fibers can be inhaled by railroad workers and can cause mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related health issues including lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaque and fibrosis.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also at high risk for developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust and exposure to other workplace toxics such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes can cause harm to the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often identified after years of exposure and can result in various serious and debilitating medical issues.
A recent case involving Conrail exposes the dangers of this kind of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in respect of a former railway worker who was diagnosed with mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages for his suffering and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other expenses. This case highlights the importance of working closely with an experienced lawyer who can quickly determine whether the FELA claim is justified.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers who were exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious illnesses. These substances are typically hidden in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. They are often difficult to identify unless a railroad company is actively testing them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad employee develops cancer or another ailment caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals at work, he may file a FELA and receive compensation from the company he worked for previously.
Research has proven that railway workers are more likely to develop different types of cancers than other people. They are exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos, silica (silica) diesel fumes or welding fumes.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of on-the-job exposure should speak to a railroad lawyer as soon as possible. They can help them determine whether there is a legal claim against the former employer and make the appropriate lawsuits based on FELA. These lawsuits can cover the payment of medical expenses as well as loss of income and suffering and pain. They also can compensate for the loss of a loved in a wrongful-death claim. An experienced railroad lawyer can help victims get the full amount of damages that they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers like engineers, conductors and train crew members are often in dangerous environments that can damage lungs without even realizing it. If a former railroad employee has developed an illness like lung cancer or a different condition which could be linked to their work it is possible to seek compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
In contrast to workers' compensation, 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 regulations could explain to you your options.
In order to win a FELA lawsuit, you will be required to prove that your employer acted negligently in a manner. Negligence could include breaking a law or rule or not achieving the acceptable standards of care, and more. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if railroad negligence was the cause of your illness.
Railroad exposure can trigger a variety of lung diseases. If cancer lawsuit were exposed during your railroad work to diesel exhaust or other toxins, such as creosote, asbestos, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer will help you file an application for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of settlements and verdicts.