FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People who are exposed to toxic chemicals like coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos may develop serious illnesses including cancer. A successful FELA case can be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, lost income as well as suffering and pain.
A railroad worker who developed leukemia has been awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is just one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers often work with chemical solvents and other hazardous materials, including benzene. The evaporation rate of benzene is high. liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. It has been linked with a variety of medical illnesses, including cancer, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma as well as bone marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen as well as an ingredient in coal tar creosote, which is used to protect railroad tracks from heat, sunlight snow, rain, and sunlight.
A former railroad worker claimed exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties triggered Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which progressed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave him $7.5 million in September.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses due to exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances, and other hazardous chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. The statute of limitations may vary depending on the type and severity of the cancer or illness. It is important to consult an experienced attorney as soon as you can.
Shaw Cowart's railroad attorneys can assist you in determining if your case is suitable for a FELA lawsuit. We offer no-cost consultations, and we are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad employees who contracted lung cancer or other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms, and yards as well as on rail cars that were damaged or on track equipment with asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This kind of asbestos is extremely dangerous because, when it deteriorates tiny fibers are released into air. The fibers are breathed in by railroad employees and can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural plaque.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers are at risk of developing lung ailments due to diesel exhaust and exposure to other workplace toxins, such as solvents, welding fumes and silica sand. These fumes can cause harm to the kidneys, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often discovered several years after the initial exposure and can lead to various serious and debilitating medical conditions.
A recent case involving Conrail exposes the dangers associated with this kind of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in the case of a former railway worker who was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for suffering and pain, as well as loss of companionship, future medical costs and other expenses. This case illustrates the importance of working closely with an experienced lawyer who can quickly determine whether the FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers who have been exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers and other serious ailments. These substances are typically hidden 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 worker is diagnosed with cancer or suffers from another illness triggered by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals while on the job, he could file an FELA and receive compensation from his former employer.
Research has shown that railway workers are more likely to develop various types of cancer than other people. They are exposed to toxins which can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos as well as silica (silica) as well as diesel fumes or welding fumes.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of exposure to radiation on the job should consult a railroad lawyer as soon as is possible. They can help them determine if there is a claim against the former employer and pursue the appropriate lawsuits, based on FELA. These claims could include compensation for medical expenses loss of income, discomfort and pain. In addition, they can pay for the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case. A railroad attorney with experience can help victims get 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 could damage their lungs without realizing it. If railroad controls limited lawsuit has developed an illness like lung cancer or another disease that could be related to their job or work, they may be eligible to file for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to file lawsuits for damages that include future and past emotional suffering and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with FELA regulations can tell you the options available to.
To win a FELA lawsuit, you'll need to prove that your employer acted negligently in a way. The definition of negligence can include breaking a law or rule or not meeting the standard of reasonable care, and many more. A skilled FELA lawyer can review your case to determine whether negligence by the railroad was a factor in the triggering of your illness.
A variety of lung diseases and illnesses can be linked to railroad exposures. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, creosote and other toxins throughout your work on the railroad, a qualified mesothelioma attorney can assist you in obtaining compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices have led to a variety of settlements and verdicts.