FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals such as coal fumes diesel exhaust benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing a serious illness like cancer. A successful FELA claim can be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, income loss as well as pain and suffering.
A railroad worker who contracted leukemia was recently awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one illustration of how the justice system fights for victims.
csx railroad lawsuit are often exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents like benzene. Benzene is a highly evaporative liquid that can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It is associated with a variety of medical conditions, including cancer blood-related cancers, such as Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a cancer-causing chemical and a component of coal tar creosote, which is used to shield railroad tie from sunlight, heat and rain.
A former railroad 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. A jury handed the man $7.5 million in September the year before.
If you have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic diseases due to daily exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos, and other hazardous chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitation could differ, so it is essential to consult a seasoned lawyer as soon as is possible.
Shaw Cowart's railroad lawyers can assist you in determining if your case is eligible to be a FELA lawsuit. We provide free consultations, and we are knowledgeable about FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer and other illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas such as 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 type of asbestos can be particularly dangerous, because when it deteriorates tiny fibers are released in the air. These fibers can be inhaled by railroad workers and cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health issues like lung cancer, asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also at risk of developing lung diseases due to diesel exhaust as well as exposure to other workplace toxins such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often discovered after years of exposure and can lead to various serious and debilitating medical conditions.
The recent case against Conrail shows 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 compensate for the pain and suffering, companionship loss, future medical expenses and other losses. The case underscores the importance of working with a seasoned attorney who can quickly evaluate whether an FELA claim is legitimate.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers who are exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers and other serious illnesses. They are often concealed in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. They can be difficult to identify unless a railroad company is actively testing them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker develops cancer or another ailment caused by exposure to carcinogenic materials at work, he may file a FELA and receive compensation from the company he worked for previously.
Research has shown that railroad workers are much more likely to develop various types of cancer than other people. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to toxins that could lead to lung cancer, like asbestos dust, the sand dust (silica) and diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure on the job should consult an attorney for railroads as soon as possible. They can assist them in determining whether they have a legal claim against their former employers and file the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These claims can include compensation for medical expenses loss of income, as well as discomfort and pain. They may also seek compensation for the loss of a loved one as the case of wrongful death. A railroad lawyer with experience can help victims receive the full amount of the damages they are entitled to, under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers such as engineers, conductors and other members of the train crew are often exposed to hazardous conditions that can damage lungs without realizing it. If a former railroad employee has developed an illness like lung cancer or another illness that could be connected to their job or work, they may be eligible to seek compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
In contrast to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees as well as the families of deceased employees to seek damages for future and past medical expenses and emotional suffering. A lawyer who is familiar with rules under FELA can explain your options to file.
In order to be successful in a FELA claim you must prove that your employer acted negligently. Negligence may involve breaking a rule or law, failing to meet the standard of reasonable care, and many more. A knowledgeable FELA lawyer can evaluate your case to determine whether negligence on the part of the railroad caused your illness.
Several different types of lung diseases and illnesses can be linked to exposures to the railroad. If you were exposed in your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxins like creosote and asbestos or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in filing a claim for compensation under the FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past and have resulted in various verdicts and settlements.