FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Workers exposed to toxic chemicals, such as coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos can be diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer. A successful FELA case can be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, lost income, suffering and pain.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to a railroad worker who developed Leukemia. This is just one illustration of how the justice system stands up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to hazardous substances and chemical solvents, such as benzene. The liquid, which is extremely evaporative can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked with a variety of medical ailments, including blood cancers, cancers of the blood like lymphoma and leukemia, as well as bone marrow diseases. It can also be a cancer-causing agent and is a component of coal tar creosote, which is used to protect railroad tie from heat, sunlight and rain.
One former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene during his work with coal tar creosote on railroad ties led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), that progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded the man $7.5 million in September last year.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases because of exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos, and other hazardous chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. cancer lawsuit for filing claims can differ based on the nature and severity of the cancer or illness. It is crucial to seek out an experienced lawyer whenever you can.
A railroad attorney from Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is a valid FELA claim. We offer free consultations, and we are knowledgeable about FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer and other health issues due to asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards, on derailed rail cars or track equipment that contained asbestos insulation that was becoming degraded. This type of asbestos is extremely dangerous because, as it degrades, tiny fibers are released into air. These fibers are inhaled by railway workers and may cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and the pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust, silica sand and welding fumes. Bladder cancer lawsuit and fumes can damage the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well blood cells. These injuries can be detected years after the first exposure and can cause a variety serious and debilitating ailments.
The recent case against Conrail illustrates the risks associated with this kind of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against the railroad company for an ex-railway employee who died from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages to compensate for the pain and suffering along with companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. This case illustrates the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney that will quickly determine if the FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
People who are exposed to radioactive substances might develop cancers or serious diseases. These substances are typically hidden in the materials that railroads use to clean track and other rail yards. It is often difficult to identify them unless the railroad company actively tests for Gamma and Alpha radiation. If a railroad worker develops cancer or suffers from another illness triggered through exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, he is able to submit a FELA and receive compensation from the company he worked for previously.
Studies have shown that railroad workers are more likely to develop different types of cancers than other people. They are constantly exposed toxins which can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos as well as silica (silica) as well as welding fumes and diesel.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure on the job should consult a lawyer for railroads as quickly as is possible. They can assist them in determining whether they have a legal claim against their former employers and make the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These lawsuits can cover compensation for medical expenses and income loss as well as pain and suffering. They also can compensate for the death of a loved one in the event of wrongful death. An experienced railroad lawyer can help victims receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Conductors, engineers and train crew members work in hazardous environments where they could damage their lungs, without even realizing it. Former railroad employees who have developed lung cancer or other ailments which could be caused by their job may seek compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
As opposed to Bladder cancer lawsuit , FELA allows injured railroad employees and families of deceased employees to pursue claims for damages, including future and past medical expenses and emotional suffering. A lawyer familiar with regulations under FELA can explain your options to file.
In order to win a FELA lawsuit, you will need to prove that the employer acted in a negligent way. The definition of negligence can be as simple as breaking a rule or law, failing to meet the acceptable standards of care, and many more. A skilled FELA lawyer could review your case to determine if the railroad's negligence was a factor in the triggering of your condition.
A variety of lung diseases and illnesses could be attributed to exposures to railroads. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, creosote, or other toxins during your career on the railroad, a reputable mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in filing for compensation under FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past and have led to a variety of settlements and verdicts.