FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals like diesel exhaust benzene, coal fumes or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness like cancer. A successful FELA case can award damages to compensate for medical expenses, loss of income, suffering and pain.
A railroad worker who developed leukemia recently received $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to chemical solvents as well as other hazardous substances, like benzene. It is a highly evaporated liquid that can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It has been linked with a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma as well as bone marrow disease. It is also a cancer-causing chemical and is a component of coal tar creosote that is used to shield railroad tie from sunlight, heat and rain.
A former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote railroad ties resulted in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which eventually developed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave him $7.5 million last September.
People who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from exposure to benzene, asbestos radioactive substances and other hazardous chemicals are able to submit a claim for 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 an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
A railroad attorney at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations and we are well-versed in FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad employees who suffered from lung cancer and other health conditions due to asbestos exposure. They worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards, as well as on track equipment or derailed rail cars that had asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos is especially dangerous since, when it begins to degrade tiny fibers are released into the air. The fibers are breathed in by workers on railroads and can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer asbestosis and pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust, silica sand, and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can be detected years after the first exposure and can cause to a myriad of serious and debilitating diseases.
The recent case against Conrail exposes the risks that come with this type of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against the railroad company in respect of an ex-railway worker who died of mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to compensate for suffering and pain along with companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working with an experienced lawyer who can quickly assess whether a FELA claim is justified.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers and other serious diseases. These substances are often hidden in the materials that railroads employ to clean track and other rail yards. They are often difficult to identify unless the railroad company is actively testing them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad employee is diagnosed with cancer or a different illness that was caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances on their job, they can submit a FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Research has revealed that railroad workers are much more likely to develop a variety of cancers than other people. They are continuously exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos, Sand (silica), diesel fumes or welding fumes.
A lawyer for railroads should be consulted as quickly as is possible by railroad employees who are diagnosed with cancer because of exposure on the job. They can assist them in determining whether they have a legal claim against their former employers and initiate the appropriate lawsuits in accordance with FELA. These claims could include the payment of medical expenses or loss of income, as well as pain and suffering. Additionally, they may compensate for the loss of a loved one as part of a wrongful death claim. A skilled railroad attorney can help victims get the maximum amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Conductors, engineers, and train crew members work in hazardous situations where they may damage their lungs without even realizing. If a former railroad worker has developed an illness like lung cancer or another disease that could be related to their job and work, they could be eligible to seek compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees and their families of deceased employees to sue for damages including past and future emotional and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with the rules of FELA could provide you with options for filing.
To win a FELA lawsuit, you'll have to prove that your employer acted in a negligent manner. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law and not observing a reasonable standard of care, and so on. A FELA lawyer will review your case and determine whether railroad negligence caused your illness.
Railroad exposure can lead to a variety of lung illnesses. If union pacific railroad lawsuits were exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos, creosote, or other toxins during your career on the railroad, a reputable mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in obtaining compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices have resulted in a variety of verdicts and settlements.