Five Railroad Lawsuit Multiple Myeloma Lessons Learned From Professionals
Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and Mesothelioma
As a result of their work, railroad workers can be exposed to numerous toxic substances. One of these toxic substances is asbestos that was used to line and insulate older train cars.
Unfortunately, these harmful substances can be destructive to the lung of railroad workers. Our FELA attorneys help victims of lung disease caused by railroads hold the companies accountable for their wrongful actions.
Asbestos
Trains are still a vital part in the country's freight network, even though railroads have lost their popularity in recent decades due to the increasing use of automobiles. As such, railroad workers have been exposed for a long time to a variety of toxins that could affect their health. Our Boston railroad worker asbestos lawyers note that railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can be broken into tiny, thin fibers which can be breathed into the lung. These fibers can cause severe scarring of the lung tissue, which could lead to a number of serious respiratory conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
For instance one man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on the railroad for over 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. He alleges the railroad knowingly allowed him to work in hazardous conditions without providing appropriate protective equipment or warnings about possible hazards. He claims he breathed diesel exhaust, creosote, dust, chemicals, and other particles that impacted his lungs.
This man claims that the Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with the proper medical care, hospitalization surgical, and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and ailments. According to the lawsuit, the railroad did not fulfill their Federal Employers Liability Act duty to provide a safe work environment for employees.
Diesel fumes
The diesel fumes that are produced by engines can have a negative impact on the health of railroad workers. In some cases the fumes can lead to lung disease like COPD. In the case of a machine operator who was exposed diesel exhaust during work his employer did not provide adequate protection equipment. The man suffered from COPD as a result and now uses oxygen tanks every day.
The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is typically found in workplaces like bus depots or garages there are "growing legal claims" over exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains significant amounts of nitrogen oxides which are harmful to people. Nitrogen oxides may cause irritation to the nose, eyes or throat and cause short-term symptoms such as coughing or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest tightness and wheezing.
In addition to diesel fumes, other pollutants found in certain rail yard areas include chemicals, creosote, dust and powders. These toxic substances can be inhaled and lead to long term issues like COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definite carcinogen. The agency warns that there are indications that exposure to diesel engine exhaust may increase the risk of bladder cancer for both females and males.
Smoking
railroad lawsuit settlements filed an occupational health claim claiming that his exposure to toxic chemicals at work led him to develop COPD. The claimant claims that his employer failed to provide him with adequate safety equipment, which allowed him to inhale hundreds of chemicals every day. These toxins include diesel fumes and exhaust, silica dust, creosote and metal dusts that are found in coal smoke sulfur dioxide and benzene as well as chemical degreasers and dioxins.
The problem with these contaminants is that they're capable of reaching deep into the lung tissue, which can cause damage and eventually cause chronic obstructive-pulmonary disease or COPD. This chronic illness causes shortness-of-breath wheezing, constant coughing and weight loss. In certain cases it may also trigger asthma.
The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. offers compensation for railroad workers suffering from emphysema and other respiratory illnesses caused by their work. 51. This law requires railroad companies to offer their employees an adequately safe environment to work.
Unfortunately it's not always the case. Railroad companies are aware of the risks associated with their work however, they are often unable to safeguard workers. FELA was established to hold railroads accountable for their mistakes. If you suffer from medical conditions that are connected to your railroad career, seek out a seasoned mesothelioma attorney who has dealt with FELA cases successfully.
