5 Railroad Lawsuit Multiple Myeloma Projects That Work For Any Budget
Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and Mesothelioma
Because of the work they perform, railroad workers can be exposed to toxic substances. Asbestos which was used in older train cars to line and insulate them, is one of these harmful substance.
Unfortunately, these harmful substances can cause serious harm to the lungs of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers help victims of lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations accountable for their wrongful actions.
Asbestos
Trains still play an important part in the nation's freight network, despite the fact that railroads have been losing popularity in recent years because more people are choosing cars. Railroad workers have been exposed to various toxic substances that could impact their health. Our Boston asbestos lawyers for railroad workers note that railroad workers are at risk of developing lung ailments such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
Asbestos is a hazard that is able to break down into microscopically thin fibers which can be breathed into the lung. These fibers can cause severe scarring of the lung tissue, which can cause a variety of serious respiratory diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer.
For example one man diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. He claims that the railroad allowed workers to work in dangerous conditions, without providing the necessary protective equipment or warnings regarding potential dangers. He claims that he breathed creosote, diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, and other particulates that affected his lung.
The plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with adequate medical treatment, hospitalization, therapeutic and surgical treatment for his injuries and ailments. According to his lawsuit the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) duty to provide its employees with a safe work environment.
Diesel fumes
The fumes released by diesel engines can affect a railroad worker's health. In some cases they can cause lung diseases such as COPD. In the case where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust while at work his employer failed to provide the appropriate protective equipment. In the end, the man was diagnosed with COPD and now needs to use oxygen tanks daily.
In the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust from engines is commonplace in workplaces, such as garages and bus depots, the latest article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal claims increase due to exposure at work to harmful diesel fumes." Diesel emissions contain high amounts of nitrogen oxides that can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. They can also trigger short-term symptoms such as coughing or phlegm. The inhalation of diesel fumes can cause chest discomfort and wheezing.
In addition to diesel fumes, other contaminants found in some rail yard environments include chemicals, creosote, dust and powders. These pollutants are inhaled and can cause long-term issues like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified exhausts from diesel engines as a carcinogen. The agency also warns that there is evidence that exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of bladder cancer in men as well as women.
Smoking
railroad lawsuit filed an occupational health claim claiming that his prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals at work led him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer failed to provide him with proper safety equipment, which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals every day. These poisons include diesel fumes as well as exhaust, silica dust creosote, and metal dusts found in coal smoke, sulfur dioxide and benzene as in chemical degreasers as well as dioxins.
The toxins can seep deep into lung tissue where they cause damage, which can eventually lead to chronic obstructive lung disease (also known as COPD). The chronic illness is characterized by shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing and weight loss. In certain instances it may also trigger asthma.
Railroad employees who suffer from workplace-related respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, asthma, or other can receive compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) 45 U.S.C. 51. This law requires railroads to provide their employees with an adequate and safe place to work.
Unfortunately, this isn't always the reality. Railroad companies are aware of the risks that they face in their work, but they do not take the necessary precautions to protect their employees. This negligence is what FELA was designed to ensure they are accountable for. If you have a medical condition that is connected to your railroad career, seek out a seasoned mesothelioma attorney who has successfully handled FELA cases successfully.
