FELA and Railroad Lawsuits Railroad workers exposed to harmful chemicals such as diesel exhaust fumes, coal fumes, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness, including cancer. A successful FELA claim can be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, loss of income discomfort and more. A railroad worker who was diagnosed with leukemia recently received $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is just one instance of the justice system standing up for the victims. Benzene Railroad workers often work with chemical solvents and other hazardous substances, such as benzene. It is a highly evaporated liquid that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and bone marrow diseases. It is also a cancer-causing substance and a component in coal tar creosote, which is used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat and rain. A former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene while working with coal tar creosote railroad ties resulted in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which eventually developed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury handed him $7.5 million in September. People who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that result from exposure to asbestos, benzene radioactive substances, benzene and other hazardous chemicals are entitled to file a claim for compensation under FELA. Based on the type of cancer or illness the statute of limitations could differ, so it is imperative to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. class action lawsuit against railroads from Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is a valid FELA claim. We offer free consultations, and we are well-versed in FELA and railroad workplaces. Asbestos Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer and other health issues due to asbestos exposure. They worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards, as well as on track equipment or derailed rail cars with asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos could be extremely dangerous, as when it is degraded, tiny fibers are released into the air. The fibers are breathed in by railroad workers and could cause mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as asbestosis, and the pleural plaque. Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases from diesel exhaust, silica sand, and welding fumes. These particles and fumes could damage the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, as well as blood cells. These injuries are often diagnosed several years after exposure, and can cause to debilitating and serious conditions. The recent case against Conrail highlights the dangers associated with this type work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to the railroad company in respect of an ex-railway worker who died from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to compensate for pain and suffering as well as companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. This case illustrates the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney that can quickly determine if the FELA claim is justified. Radioactive Substances Railroad workers who were exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious diseases. These substances are often hidden in the materials railroads use to clean track and other rail yards. It can be difficult to recognize them unless the railroad's business actively screens for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another condition caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances on the job, they are able to submit a FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer. Research has shown that railroad workers are more likely to develop a variety of cancers than other people. This is due to being constantly exposed to toxic substances that can cause lung cancer, such as asbestos and the sand dust (silica), diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote. A lawyer for railroads should be consulted as soon as is possible by railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to radiation during their work. They can assist them in determining whether there is a legal claim against the former employer and file the appropriate lawsuits that are based on FELA. These claims could include compensation for medical costs and income loss as well as suffering and pain. They may also seek compensation for the death of a loved one in the case of wrongful death. A skilled railroad lawyer can help victims get the maximum amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA. FELA Conductors, engineers and train crew members work in hazardous environments that can cause damage to their lungs without realizing it. If a former railroad worker has been diagnosed with an illness such as lung cancer or another illness which could be linked to their job it is possible to seek compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). As opposed to workers' compensation FELA permits railroad employees who have been injured to file a lawsuit. This includes past and future medical costs and emotional suffering. An attorney who is knowledgeable about FELA regulations can tell you the options available to. To win a FELA lawsuit, you'll need to prove that the employer acted in a negligent way. The definition of negligence can include breaking a law or rule or not meeting the standard of reasonable care and more. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether railroad negligence was the cause of your illness. There are a variety of lung diseases and illnesses could be attributed to exposures from railroads. If you were exposed in your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxins such as asbestos, creosote, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer could assist you in filing a claim for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices have resulted in a range of settlements and verdicts.
class action lawsuit against railroads
