FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Workers exposed to toxic chemicals, such as coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos can develop serious illnesses, including cancer. A successful FELA claim could award damages that cover medical expenses, income loss pain suffering and more.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of its railroad workers who was diagnosed with Leukemia. This is just one instance of the justice system standing up for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers frequently work with chemical solvents as well as other hazardous substances, like benzene. The evaporation rate of benzene is high. liquid that can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a range of medical diseases, such as cancer, blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia, as well as bone marrow disease. It can also be a cancer-causing agent and a component of coal tar creosote which is used to shield railroad tie from sunlight, heat and rain.
A former rail worker claimed his exposure to benzene when working with coal tar creosote railroad ties led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which grew into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury handed the man $7.5 million in September the year before.
wasatch railroad contractors lawsuit who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases because of their exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos, and other hazardous chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. The time period for filing claims can vary depending on the type and severity of the cancer or illness. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney whenever you can.
Shaw Cowart's railroad lawyers can assist you in determining whether your case is a candidate for a FELA lawsuit. We offer free consultations and are conversant with FELA as well as railroad workplaces and the dangerous cancer-causing substances many railroad employees face every day.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer and other health conditions caused by asbestos exposure. They worked in areas like repair shops, engine room and yards, or on track equipment or derailed railway cars that contained asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous because, when it gets deteriorated, tiny fibers are released into the air. The fibers are breathed in by workers on railroads and can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer asbestosis and the pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust, silica sand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause harm to the lungs, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often identified several years after the initial exposure and can lead to a variety of grave and debilitating health conditions.
Recent cases against Conrail shows the dangers associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in the case of a former railway worker who was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages to compensate for pain and suffering along with companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney that will quickly determine if a FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers who are exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious diseases. The substances are usually hidden in the materials railroads employ to clean track and other rail yards. It can be difficult to identify them unless the railroad's company examines for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad employee develops cancer or another ailment caused through exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, he is able to submit a FELA and receive compensation from the former employer.
Railroad workers are more prone than others to develop cancers. This is due to being constantly exposed to toxins that could cause lung cancers, such as asbestos and Sand dust (silica), diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote.
A lawyer for railroads should be consulted as soon as possible by railroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure during their work. They can help them determine if they have a claim against their former employers and submit the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These claims may include compensation for medical expenses income loss, and pain and discomfort. In addition, they can pay for the loss of a loved ones in a wrongful death case. A knowledgeable railroad attorney can assist victims get the maximum amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers, such as engineers, conductors, and members of train crews are often exposed to hazardous conditions which can cause lung damage without realizing it. If a former railroad worker is suffering from an illness such as lung cancer or another condition that could be connected to their job or work, they may be eligible to file for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
In contrast to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees and their families of deceased employees to pursue claims for damages, including future and past emotional suffering and medical expenses. An attorney who is knowledgeable about FELA regulations can tell you the options.
To prevail in a FELA lawsuit, you'll need to prove that the employer acted negligently in a way. Negligence could include breaking a law or rule or failing to meet an acceptable standard of care, or any other. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if railroad negligence caused your condition.
Several different types of lung diseases and illnesses can be linked to railroad exposures. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust creosote, or other toxins during your time working on the railway and you are a mesothelioma patient, a certified attorney can help you file for compensation under FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past and have resulted in a variety verdicts and settlements.