FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People exposed to toxic chemicals like diesel exhaust, coal fumes or asbestos can be diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer. A successful FELA claim can be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, income loss pain and suffering, among other things.
railroad cancer lawsuit awarded $7.5 Million to one of their railroad workers who developed Leukemia. This is just one instance of how the justice system fights for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents, which include benzene. The evaporation rate of benzene is high. liquid that can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It is linked to a variety of medical conditions, including cancer blood-related cancers like Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a substance that causes cancer and a component of coal tar creosote which is used to shield railroad tie from heat, sunlight and rain.
One former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene when working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which eventually developed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave the man $7.5 million in September the year before.
Anyone diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from daily exposure to asbestos, benzene, radioactive substances and other harmful chemicals have the right 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 crucial to speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as is possible.
A railroad attorney at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is a valid FELA claim. We provide no-cost consultations and are familiar with FELA railway workplaces, FELA and the cancer-causing chemicals railroad employees face on a daily basis.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who suffered from lung cancer and other health issues due to asbestos exposure. They frequently worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms, and yards and on rail cars that had been damaged or track equipment that contained asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This type of asbestos is extremely dangerous since, when it begins to degrade tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers are inhaled by railway workers and may cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestosis and the pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung cancer due to diesel exhaust, silica sand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause harm to the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can be diagnosed years after the initial exposure and can cause a variety serious and debilitating diseases.
A recent case against Conrail exposes the dangers associated with this kind of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in respect of an ex-railway worker who died from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to cover the pain and suffering as well as companionship loss, future medical expenses and other losses. The case highlights the importance of working with an experienced attorney who can quickly evaluate whether an 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 used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. They can be difficult to spot unless the railroad company is screening them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railway worker develops cancer or suffers from another illness triggered by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals during their work, they could file a FELA and receive compensation from his former employer.
Railroad workers are more likely than other people to develop cancer. They are continuously exposed to toxins which can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos and silica (silica) welding fumes and diesel.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to radiation on the job should speak to a railroad lawyer as soon as is possible. They can assist them in determining if they have a claim against their former employers and make the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These claims can include reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income, and discomfort and pain. They also can compensate for the death of a loved one through an wrongful-death case. An experienced railroad attorney can help victims get the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers, such as engineers, conductors and other members of the train crew frequently work in dangerous environments that can damage lungs without realizing it. Former railroad workers who develop lung cancer or another condition that could have been caused by their job may claim compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to pursue claims for damages, including past and future emotional and medical expenses. A lawyer who is familiar with regulations under FELA could explain your options for filing.
To win a FELA lawsuit, you will be required to prove that your employer acted in a negligent way. Negligence may involve breaking a law or rule or not meeting an acceptable standard of care and more. A knowledgeable FELA lawyer will review your case to determine if the railroad's negligence played a role in causing your condition.
Railroad exposure can trigger a variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed during your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxins such as creosote and asbestos or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer will assist you in filing an application for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have resulted into a variety of settlements and verdicts.