5 Reasons To Consider Being An Online Railroad Lawsuit Acute Myeloid Leukemia And 5 Reasons To Not
FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People who are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos could develop serious illnesses including cancer. A successful FELA claim can be awarded damages to cover medical expenses, loss of income pain and suffering, among other things.
A railroad worker who was diagnosed with leukemia has been awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is just one instance of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents, such as benzene. It is a highly evaporated liquid that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia, as well as 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 railroad worker claimed that exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote on 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 as having cancer or other chronic illnesses because of their exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos and other toxic chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations 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 offer free consultations and we are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad employees who contracted lung cancer or other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They worked in areas such as 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 hazardous, as when it gets degraded, tiny fibres are released in the air. These fibers could be inhaled by railroad workers and can cause mesothelioma along with other asbestos-related diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung disease from diesel exhaust, silica sand, and welding fumes. union pacific railroad lawsuit can cause harm to the kidneys, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can be identified years after the initial exposure and can lead a variety serious and debilitating conditions.
A recent case involving Conrail exposes the risks associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against the railroad company in respect of a former railway worker who died of mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to compensate for pain and suffering and companionship loss, as well as future medical expenses, and other losses. The case underscores the importance of working with a seasoned attorney who can quickly evaluate whether a FELA claim is legitimate.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers and other serious ailments. These substances are typically hidden in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. They can be difficult to identify unless the railroad company is actively checking them 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 can submit an FELA and receive compensation from his former employer.
Railroad workers are more prone than other people to develop cancer. They are constantly exposed to toxic substances that can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos and sand (silica) diesel fumes or welding fumes.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the consequence of exposure to the workplace should consult a railroad lawyer as soon as possible. They can help them determine whether they have a right to claim against their former employers and file the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. These claims could include compensation for medical costs and income loss as well as suffering and pain. Additionally, they can compensate for the loss of a loved ones in a wrongful death case. A knowledgeable railroad lawyer can assist victims receive the full amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Engineers, conductors, and train crew members work in dangerous situations where they may damage their lungs without even realizing. Former railroad workers who have developed lung cancer or other ailments that could have been due to their work may seek compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees and their families of deceased employees to file lawsuits for damages that include past and future emotional and medical expenses. A lawyer who is familiar with rules of FELA can explain your options to file.
In order to win a FELA lawsuit, you'll have to prove that your employer acted negligently in a way. Negligence may involve breaking a rule or law or failing to adhere to an acceptable standard of care and more. A competent FELA lawyer could review your case to determine whether the railroad's negligence contributed to your condition.
Many different lung diseases and illnesses can be linked to exposures to the railroad. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, creosote or other toxins during your time working on the railway, a qualified mesothelioma attorney can assist you in obtaining compensation under FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past and have resulted in various settlements and verdicts.