FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People who are exposed to harmful chemicals like coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos may be diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer. A successful FELA claim can provide compensation for medical expenses, loss of income pain and suffering, among other things.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to an employee of the railroad who contracted Leukemia. This is just one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to hazardous substances and chemical solvents, such as benzene. The evaporation rate of benzene is high. liquid that can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It has been linked with a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and bone marrow disease. It is also a cancer-causing agent and a component of coal tar creosote, a substance used to protect railroad tieways from heat, sunlight snow, rain, and sunlight.
A former railway worker claimed that exposure to benzene, while working with coal-tar creosote make railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded him $7.5 million last September.
Anyone diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that result from exposure to asbestos, benzene radioactive substances and other hazardous chemicals can file a claim for compensation under FELA. Depending on the type of cancer or illness the statute of limitation could differ, so it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as is possible.
A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We provide free consultations and are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces as well as the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad employees are exposed to on a daily basis.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who suffered from lung cancer and other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They often worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards as well as on rail cars that were damaged or track equipment that contained deteriorating asbestos insulation. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous since, when it begins to degrade 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 pleural plaque.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also at high risk for developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust and exposure to other workplace toxins, such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes and particles can damage the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well as blood cells. These injuries are often diagnosed after years of exposure and can cause many severe and debilitating medical conditions.
The recent case against Conrail shows the dangers associated with this type work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in the case of a former railway worker who died from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for suffering and pain, as well as loss of companionship, future medical costs and other losses. This case illustrates the importance of working closely with an experienced lawyer who will quickly determine if a FELA claim is legitimate.
Radioactive Substances
People exposed to radioactive substances could develop cancer or other serious diseases. These substances are often hidden in the materials that railroads employ to clean track and other rail yards. It can be difficult to recognize them unless the railroad's business actively checks for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker develops cancer or another ailment caused by exposure to carcinogenic materials at work, he could apply for an FELA and receive compensation from the company he worked for previously.
Railroad workers are more likely than others to develop cancer. This is due to being constantly exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer, like asbestos as well as Sand dust (silica), diesel fumes, welding fumes and creosote.
A lawyer for railroads is recommended to be consulted as soon as is possible by railroad employees who are diagnosed with cancer because of exposure during their work. They can assist them in determining whether they have a right to claim against their former employers and initiate the appropriate lawsuits in accordance with FELA. These lawsuits could result in reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income, as well as discomfort and pain. Additionally, they may compensate for the loss of a loved one's life in a wrongful death claim. An experienced railroad lawyer can assist victims in obtaining the full amount of damages that they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers like engineers, conductors, and train crew members are often in dangerous environments that can harm lungs without realizing it. Former railroad workers who have developed lung cancer or any other condition that could have been due to their work may file for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees as well as the families of deceased employees to seek damages for past and future emotional suffering and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with the rules of FELA could provide you with options for filing.
To win bnsf lawsuit , you will need to prove that your employer acted negligently in a way. The definition of negligence can include breaking a law or rule, failing to meet the standard of reasonable care and more. A competent FELA lawyer could review your case to determine if the railroad's negligence played a role in causing your condition.
Many different lung diseases and illnesses could be attributed to exposures from railroads. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust creosote or any other toxic substances during your time working on the railway, a reputable mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in obtaining compensation under FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past, and have led to a variety of settlements and verdicts.