This Story Behind Railroad Lawsuit Acute Myeloid Leukemia Will Haunt You Forever!

FELA and Railroad Lawsuits

Railroad workers exposed to toxic chemicals like diesel exhaust fumes, coal vapors, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness such as cancer. A successful FELA case could award damages to compensate for medical expenses, lost income as well as suffering and pain.

Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to an employee of the railroad who contracted Leukemia. This is just one example of how the justice system stands up for the injured.

Benzene

Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous substances and chemical solvents, which include benzene. The evaporation rate of benzene is high. liquid that is absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked with a variety of medical illnesses, including cancer, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma as well as bone marrow disease. It is also a cancer-causing substance and is a component of coal tar creosote that is used to shield railroad ties from heat, sunlight and rain.

A former railway worker claimed that his exposure to benzene working with coal-tar creosote create railroad ties, contributed to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia.  Colon cancer lawsuit  gave him $7.5 million last September.

If you've been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that result from daily exposure to asbestos, benzene radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals are able to file a claim for compensation under FELA. Based on the type of cancer or illness, the statute of limitations will vary, therefore it is important to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as is possible.

A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations and are conversant with FELA, railroad workplaces and the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad workers face on a daily basis.

Asbestos

Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer or other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They worked in areas like repair shops, engine room and yards, or on track equipment or rail cars with asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous 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 illnesses such as lung cancer asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.

Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can be diagnosed years after the first exposure, and can cause to debilitating and serious conditions.

A recent case involving Conrail highlights the dangers of this type of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against the railroad company in respect of a former railway employee who died of mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other losses. The case underscores the importance of working with an experienced lawyer who can quickly assess whether a FELA claim is warranted.

Radioactive Substances

Workers exposed to radioactive substances may develop cancers or other serious diseases. These substances are typically hidden in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. It is often difficult to recognize them unless the railroad company screens for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or a different illness that was caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, they can make a FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.

Research has shown that railroad workers are more likely to develop different types of cancers than other people. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to toxins that could cause lung cancer, like asbestos and the sand dust (silica), diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote.

Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to radiation on the job should speak to an attorney for railroads as soon as is possible. They can help them determine if there is a claim against the former employer and make the appropriate lawsuits that are based on FELA. These claims can include the payment of medical expenses, loss of income, and discomfort and pain. They may also seek compensation for the death of a loved one through the case of wrongful death. A railroad attorney with experience can assist victims in obtaining the full amount of damages they are entitled to, under FELA.

FELA

Conductors, engineers and train crew members work in dangerous situations where they may damage their lungs and not even realize it. If a former railroad employee has developed an illness like lung cancer or another condition that could be related to their work it is possible to seek compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

As opposed to workers' compensation FELA permits railroad employees who are injured to file a lawsuit. This includes past and future medical costs and emotional suffering. A lawyer familiar with the rules of FELA can explain your options for filing.

To win a FELA lawsuit, you will be required to prove that your employer acted negligently in a manner. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law, failing to meet an acceptable standard of care, and many more. A knowledgeable FELA lawyer will review your case to determine whether the railroad's negligence caused your illness.

Several different types of lung diseases and illnesses can be attributed to exposures to railroads. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust creosote, or other toxins during your time working on the railway, a reputable mesothelioma lawyer will assist you in claiming compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of verdicts and settlements.