FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People who are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as diesel exhaust, coal fumes or asbestos may develop serious illnesses including cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages that will cover medical expenses loss of income suffering and more.
A railroad worker suffering from leukemia was recently awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is just one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents, including benzene. It is a highly evaporated liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as bone marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen as well as a component of coal tar creosote. It is used to shield railroad tracks from heat, sunlight snow, rain and sun.
A former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene working with coal-tar creosote create railroad ties, lead to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia. A jury gave the man $7.5 million in September of the year before.
union pacific railroad lawsuit who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from exposure to asbestos, benzene radioactive substances, benzene and other harmful chemicals have the right to file a claim for compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the time limit for filing a claim can vary, which is why it is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can.
cancer lawsuit can assist you in determining if your case is suitable for a FELA lawsuit. We offer free consultations and we're familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer or other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They typically worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards, on derailed rail cars or on track equipment that had deteriorating asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos could be particularly dangerous, because when it is degraded, tiny fibers are released in the air. The fibers can be breathed in by workers on railroads and cause mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related health conditions such as lung cancer asbestosis, pleural plaque and fibrosis.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers are at high risk for developing lung diseases due to diesel exhaust and exposure to other workplace toxics such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. The particles and fumes that are emitted from these workplaces can harm the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract, as well as blood cells. These injuries are often identified years after a worker's initial exposure and can lead to a variety of serious and debilitating medical conditions.
Recent case against Conrail shows the dangers associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to Conrail for a former railway employee who passed away from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages to cover the pain and suffering along with companionship loss, future medical expenses and other losses. Leukemia lawsuit underscores the importance of working with an experienced attorney who can quickly determine whether a FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
Anyone exposed to radioactive materials can develop cancers or other serious ailments. They are often concealed in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. They are often difficult to spot unless the railroad company is screening them for alpha or the gamma radiation. If a railroad employee is diagnosed with cancer or another condition due to exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, they may make an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Studies have shown that railroad workers are much more likely to develop various cancers than other people. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to toxins that could cause lung cancer, such as asbestos dust, sand dust (silica), welding fumes, diesel fumes, and creosote.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to radiation on the job should consult an attorney for railroads as soon as is possible. 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 lawsuits can cover the payment of medical expenses and income loss as well as suffering and pain. They can also compensate for the loss of a loved one through the case of wrongful death. cancer lawsuit can assist victims receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers such as engineers, conductors and other members of the train crew are often exposed to hazardous conditions which can cause lung damage without realizing it. Former railroad workers who develop lung cancer or other ailments that could be caused by their job can seek compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to sue for damages including past and future emotional and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with the rules under FELA will be able to explain your options for filing.
In order to win a FELA lawsuit, you will have to prove that your employer acted in a negligent way. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law or failing to meet the acceptable standards of care, and much more. A skilled FELA lawyer can review your case to determine whether negligence on the part of the railroad played a role in causing your illness.
Many different lung diseases and illnesses could be attributed to exposures from railroads. If you were exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos, creosote or other toxins during your career on the railroad, a qualified mesothelioma attorney can assist you in filing for compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have resulted in a range of verdicts and settlements.