20 Reasons Why Railroad Lawsuit Acute Myeloid Leukemia Will Never Be Forgotten

FELA and Railroad Lawsuits

Railroad workers who are exposed to harmful chemicals such as diesel exhaust benzene, coal fumes or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness, including cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages that will cover medical expenses, loss of income pain and suffering, among other things.

Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of their railroad workers who developed Leukemia. This is just one instance of the justice system standing up for the victims.

Benzene

Railroad workers often work with chemical solvents, as well as other hazardous substances, such as benzene. Benzene, a highly-evaporative liquid is absorbed through the skin or inhaled.  csx lawsuit  has been linked to several medical conditions like cancer and blood-related cancers like leukemia and Lymphoma, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a substance that causes cancer and is a component of coal tar creosote, which is used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat and rain.

One former rail worker claimed his exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties resulted in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which grew into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury handed him $7.5 million in September.

If you have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic illnesses because of their exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the type of cancer or illness the statute of limitations will vary, therefore it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as is possible.

Shaw Cowart's railroad attorneys can assist you in determining if your case is eligible for a FELA lawsuit. We offer free consultations and we are well-versed in FELA and railroad workplaces.

Asbestos

Our attorneys have represented railroad employees who contracted lung cancer or other health issues due to asbestos exposure. They frequently worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms, and yards, on derailed rail cars or track equipment that had asbestos insulation that was becoming degraded. This type of asbestos can be particularly hazardous, since when it is degraded, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled by railroad workers and cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaque and fibrosis.

Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung cancer from diesel exhaust, silica sand and welding fumes. The particles and fumes that are emitted from these workplaces can damage the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract as well blood cells. These injuries are often discovered several years after the initial exposure and can lead to many grave and debilitating health conditions.

A recent case against Conrail exposes the dangers associated with this kind of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to Conrail for an ex-railway worker who died of mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to compensate for pain and suffering, companionship loss, future medical expenses and other losses. This case illustrates the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney who will quickly determine if an FELA claim is legitimate.

Radioactive Substances

Anyone exposed to radioactive materials can develop cancers or other serious ailments. These substances are often hidden in the materials railroads employ to clean tracks and other rail yards. They are often difficult to identify unless the railroad company is actively screening them for alpha and Gamma radiation. When a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another disease that was caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, they may make an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.

Railroad workers are more prone than other workers to develop cancer. This is because they are constantly exposed to toxins that can lead to lung cancer, including asbestos, sand dust (silica) and welding fumes, diesel fumes, and creosote.

Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of on-the-job exposure should speak to a lawyer for railroads as quickly as they can. They can assist them in determining if there is a claim against the former employer and pursue the appropriate lawsuits, that are based on FELA. These claims can include compensation for medical costs as well as loss of income and pain and suffering. They may also seek compensation for the loss of a loved one in an wrongful-death case. A railroad attorney with experience can help victims receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to, under FELA.

FELA

Railroad workers like engineers, conductors and other members of the train crew are often exposed to hazardous conditions that can harm lungs without realizing it. Former railroad workers who developed lung cancer or other conditions which could be caused by their work can claim compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).

As opposed to workers' compensation FELA allows railroad employees who have been injured to file a lawsuit. This includes past and future medical costs and emotional suffering. An attorney familiar with FELA regulations could explain to you your options.

To be successful in a FELA claim you must prove that your employer acted negligently. Negligence could mean breaking a law or rule or not meeting the reasonable standards of care and more. A FELA lawyer can review your case and determine whether railroad negligence was a factor in your condition.

There are a variety of lung diseases and illnesses could be linked to railroad exposures. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, creosote and other toxins throughout your work on the railway, a reputable mesothelioma lawyer will assist you in claiming compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices have resulted in a range of verdicts and settlements.