Seven Explanations On Why Railroad Lawsuit Acute Myeloid Leukemia Is Important
FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
Railroad workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as coal fumes diesel exhaust benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing serious illness including cancer. A successful FELA case can award damages to compensate for medical expenses, income loss, suffering and pain.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of its railroad workers who was diagnosed with Leukemia. This is just one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers are often exposed to hazardous materials and chemical solvents, including benzene. The liquid, which is extremely evaporative can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It is associated with a variety of medical conditions, including cancer blood-related cancers, such as Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow disease. It is also a cancer-causing chemical and is a component of coal tar creosote that is used to shield railroad tie from heat, sunlight and rain.
A former rail worker claimed that exposure to benzene, while working with coal-tar creosote in order to create railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia. A jury handed him $7.5 million last September.
If you've been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from daily exposure to asbestos, benzene radioactive substances, and other hazardous chemicals are able to make a claim for compensation under FELA. Based on the type of cancer or illness, the statute of limitations will vary, therefore it is important to consult a seasoned lawyer as soon as is possible.
Shaw Cowart's railroad lawyers can help you determine if your case is suitable to be a FELA lawsuit. We offer free consultations and are familiar with FELA railway workplaces, FELA and the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad workers face on a daily basis.
Asbestos
Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer and other health conditions due to asbestos exposure. They frequently worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards, on derailed rail cars or on track equipment that was asbestos insulation that was degrading. This kind of asbestos can be extremely hazardous, as when it is degraded, tiny fibers are released in the air. The fibers are breathed in by workers on railroads and can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestosis, and the pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust, silica sand, and welding fumes. These fumes can cause harm to the lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can be identified several years after exposure and can cause various serious and debilitating diseases.
Recent case against Conrail exposes the risks associated with this type work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to Conrail, a railroad company, for an ex-railway worker who passed away from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to cover pain and suffering along with companionship loss, future medical expenses and other losses. The case underscores the importance of working with a seasoned attorney who can quickly evaluate whether an FELA claim is justified.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious diseases. They are often concealed in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. It can be difficult to identify them unless the railroad company actively tests for Gamma and Alpha radiation. If a railroad employee is diagnosed with cancer or another disease that is the result of exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, they may file an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Research has proven that railroad workers are much more likely to develop various types of cancer than other people. They are constantly exposed to toxins which can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos, sand (silica) and welding fumes and diesel.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of exposure on the job should consult a lawyer for railroads as quickly as possible. They can assist them in determining whether they have a claim against their former employers and initiate the appropriate lawsuits in accordance with FELA. These claims can include reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering. In addition, they can pay for the loss of a loved one as part of a wrongful death case. cancer lawsuits will assist victims to receive the full amount of damages that they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Railroad workers, such as engineers, conductors and other members of the train crew are often in dangerous environments that can damage lungs without even realizing it. Former railroad workers who developed lung cancer or another condition that could be caused by their job can apply for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to pursue claims for damages, including past and future emotional and medical costs. An attorney who is familiar with the regulations under FELA could explain your options for filing.
To prevail in a FELA lawsuit, you will need to prove that your employer acted negligently in a way. Negligence could include breaking a rule or law, failing to meet an acceptable standard of care, or any other. A skilled FELA lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if the railroad's negligence played a role in causing your condition.
Railroad exposure can trigger a variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos, creosote or any other toxic substances during your time working on the railroad, a qualified mesothelioma attorney will assist you in claiming compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of verdicts and settlements.