The Next Big Thing In The Railroad Lawsuit Acute Myeloid Leukemia Industry
FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers exposed to toxic chemicals, such as diesel exhaust benzene, coal fumes or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness like cancer. A successful FELA claim can award damages to pay medical costs, loss of income as well as suffering and pain.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to an employee of the railroad who contracted Leukemia. This is just one instance of how the justice system is standing up for victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous substances and chemical solvents, including benzene. The evaporation rate of benzene is high. liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma as well as bone marrow diseases. It is also a cancer-causing substance and a constituent in coal tar creosote which is used to shield railroad ties from heat, sunlight and rain.
A former railroad worker claimed exposure to benzene during his work with coal tar creosote on railroad ties caused Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which eventually developed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury awarded him $7.5 million in September.
Anyone diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that result from daily exposure to benzene, asbestos radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals are able to seek compensation under FELA. Based on the type of cancer or illness the statute of limitations may vary, so it is important to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as is possible.
A railroad attorney at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We provide free consultations and are well-versed with FELA as well as railroad workplaces and the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad employees are exposed to on a daily basis.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad employees who suffered from lung cancer and other health conditions as a result of asbestos exposure. pulmonary fibrosis lawsuit worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms, and yards, on derailed rail cars or on track equipment that contained asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This kind of asbestos is particularly dangerous because, when it gets deteriorated, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers are inhaled by railway workers and may cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and the pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung disease from diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often diagnosed several years after the initial exposure and can result in several grave and debilitating health conditions.
A recent case against Conrail highlights 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. The jury awarded damages for his suffering and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical expenses and other expenses. This case highlights the importance to work with an experienced attorney who can quickly determine whether an FELA claim is warranted.
Radioactive Substances
Anyone exposed to radioactive materials may develop cancers or other serious illnesses. These substances are typically hidden in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. It is often difficult to identify them unless the railroad company actively checks for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another disease caused by exposure to carcinogenic materials while on the job, he may submit an FELA and receive compensation from the former employer.
Studies have shown that railway workers are more likely to develop various cancers than other people. They are continuously exposed to toxins which can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos as well as sand (silica) and welding fumes or diesel fumes.
A railroad lawyer must be sought out as soon as possible by railroad workers who have been diagnosed as having 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 can cover the payment of medical expenses or loss of income, as well as pain and suffering. Additionally, they can pay for the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case. A railroad attorney with experience can help victims get the full amount of compensation they are entitled to, under FELA.
FELA
Conductors, engineers and train crew members work in dangerous environments that can cause damage to their lungs and not even realize it. Former railroad workers who developed lung cancer or other conditions that could have been due to their work may claim 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 medical expenses and emotional suffering. A lawyer who is familiar with rules under FELA will be able to explain your options for filing.
In order to be successful in a FELA claim you must show that your employer was negligent. Negligence could include breaking a rule or law or failing to meet the acceptable standards of care, or any other. A skilled FELA lawyer will review your case to determine whether negligence on the part of the railroad played a role in causing your illness.
Railroad exposure can cause a variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust creosote or any other toxic substances during your career on the railroad and you are a mesothelioma patient, a certified 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.