FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People who are exposed to toxic chemicals such as coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos may be diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer. A successful FELA claim could provide compensation for medical expenses loss of income pain suffering and more.
A railroad worker suffering from leukemia recently received $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is just one illustration of how the justice system stands up for victims.
Leukemia lawsuit are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents, such as benzene. It is a highly evaporative liquid that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked with various medical conditions, including cancer and blood-related cancers like leukemia and Lymphoma, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a cancer-causing substance and a component of coal tar creosote that is used to shield railroad tie from sunlight, heat and rain.
A former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene while working with coal tar creosote on railroad ties led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), that progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury handed the man $7.5 million in September the year before.
Those who have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic diseases because of exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos and other harmful chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. The time limit for filing a claim can vary based upon the type and severity of the cancer or illness. It is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney whenever you can.
Shaw Cowart's railroad attorneys can assist you in determining whether your case is eligible for an FELA lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and we're familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer, as well as other health issues due to asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards or on rail cars with derailments or on track equipment that contained deteriorating asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos can be extremely dangerous, as when it gets degraded, tiny fibres are released into the air. These fibers are inhaled by railroad workers and could cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust, silicasand, and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often diagnosed several years after exposure and can result in various serious and debilitating conditions.
Recent cases against Conrail exposes the risks that come with this type of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail, the railroad company, in respect of a former railway worker who died from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to cover pain and suffering, companionship loss, future medical expenses and other losses. cancer lawsuits emphasizes the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney who can quickly determine whether the FELA claim is legitimate.
Radioactive Substances
People who are exposed to radioactive substances can develop cancers or other serious illnesses. These substances are often hidden in the materials railroads use to clean track and other rail yards. They can be difficult to identify unless a railroad company is testing them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad employee is diagnosed with cancer or another condition that was caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances on their job, they can submit an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Bladder cancer lawsuit has shown that railroad workers are much more likely to develop various types of cancer than other people. They are exposed to the toxins that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos and sand (silica) welding fumes or diesel fumes.
A lawyer for railroads is recommended to be consulted as soon as is possible by railroad employees who have been diagnosed as having cancer as a result of exposure during their work. They can help them determine whether there is a legal claim against the former employer and initiate the appropriate lawsuits in accordance with FELA. These claims could include reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income, discomfort and pain. They also can compensate for the loss of a loved one as the event of wrongful death. A railroad attorney with experience can assist victims in obtaining the maximum amount of the damages they are entitled to, under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers like engineers, conductors, and members of train crews often work in hazardous environments that can harm lungs without realizing it. Former railroad workers who have developed lung cancer or other conditions that may have been due to their work may seek compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
Unlike workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees and their families of deceased employees to seek damages for future and past emotional suffering and medical expenses. 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 include breaking a rule or law and not meeting an acceptable standard of care, and more. A skilled FELA lawyer will review your case to determine whether the railroad's negligence caused your illness.
Railroad exposure can lead to a variety of lung diseases. If you were exposed during your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxic substances like asbestos, creosote, or creosote mesothelioma lawyers can help you file an action for compensation under the FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past, and have resulted a variety of verdicts and settlements.