Ten Easy Steps To Launch Your Own Railroad Lawsuit Acute Myeloid Leukemia Business
FELA and Railroad Lawsuits
People exposed to toxic chemicals such as coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos could be diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer. A successful FELA claim can be awarded damages to cover medical expenses loss of income pain suffering and more.
Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of their railroad workers who developed Leukemia. This is just one example of the justice system standing up for the victims.
Benzene
Railroad workers often work with chemical solvents as well as other hazardous materials, including benzene. Benzene, a highly-evaporative liquid is absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including cancer, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma as well as bone marrow diseases. It is also a carcinogen as well as an ingredient in coal tar creosote, a substance used to protect railroad ties from heat, sunlight rain, and snow.
A former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene while working with coal-tar creosote to create railroad ties, contributed to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia. A jury awarded the man $7.5 million in September last year.
Those who have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic diseases due to daily exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos, and other hazardous chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the time limit for filing a claim will vary, therefore it is important to speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as you can.
A railroad attorney at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We provide free consultations, and we are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces.
Asbestos
Our lawyers have represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with lung cancer or other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They worked in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards, as well as on track equipment or rail cars with asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos could be particularly hazardous, since when it gets degraded, tiny fibres are released into the air. The fibers are breathed in by railroad workers and could cause mesothelioma, lung cancer asbestosis and pleural plaque.
Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung cancer from diesel exhaust, silica sand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often identified several years after the initial exposure and can cause many severe and debilitating medical conditions.
railroad lawsuits against Conrail exposes the risks associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court has upheld a jury verdict of $2.3million against Conrail in the case of an ex-railway worker who died from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages for his suffering and pain, as well as loss of companionship, future medical costs and other losses. This case highlights the importance of working closely with an experienced attorney who can quickly determine if the FELA claim is legitimate.
Radioactive Substances
Railroad workers who have been exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers and other serious diseases. These substances are typically hidden in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. They are often difficult to spot unless the railroad company is actively testing them for alpha and gamma radiation. When a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another illness caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, they may submit an FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.
Railroad workers are more likely than other workers to develop cancer. They are exposed to toxins which can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos and sand (silica), welding fumes or diesel fumes.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure on the job should consult an attorney for railroads as soon as they can. They can help them determine if there is a claim against the former employer and make the appropriate lawsuits based on FELA. These claims can include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, as well as discomfort and pain. They can also compensate for the loss of a loved one in a wrongful-death claim. A knowledgeable railroad attorney can assist victims get the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.
FELA
Conductors, engineers, and train crew members work in dangerous situations where they may damage their lungs without realizing it. Former railroad workers who develop lung cancer or any other condition that could be caused by their job can file for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).
In contrast to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to pursue claims for damages, including past and future medical expenses and emotional suffering. An attorney who is familiar with FELA rules can inform you the options.
To be successful in a FELA claim, you must prove that your employer was negligent. It could be a matter of breaking a law or rule or not achieving an acceptable standard of care, and more. A competent FELA lawyer will review your case to determine whether negligence by the railroad 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 other toxins during your work on the railroad, a reputable mesothelioma lawyer can help you file for compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of verdicts and settlements.