You Can Explain Railroad Lawsuit Mds To Your Mom
Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma
Rail workers are often exposed to harmful chemicals and fumes such as asbestos and silica. These exposures can cause respiratory disorders like asthma.
Fortunately, victims are entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A railroad lawsuit asthma attorney can assist. Here are a few examples of successful settlements and verdicts.
Diesel Exhaust
Because trains are powered by diesel fuels, railroad employees are exposed all day to diesel fumes. These fumes consist of soot particles and harmful chemicals. Exposure to these fumes could contribute to the development of asthma and other lung diseases.
Since decades railroads have become aware of the dangers posed by diesel exhaust. Many companies haven't taken adequate measures to protect their workers. Some railroad workers have developed respiratory diseases that are debilitating.
In conjunction with other workplace hazards, like asbestos, silica, and creosote exposure to diesel fumes can lead to the development of life-changing pulmonary diseases, including asthma. cancer lawsuits can prevent railroad workers from returning back to their jobs, and may even decrease their life quality.
In one case that our lawyers were able to defend, they successfully an FELA claim brought by a former locomotive engineer who claimed to have contracted leukemia and other cancers as a result of his exposure to diesel fumes as well as other toxic chemicals while working on railway equipment. The court granted summary judgement for the defendant railroads. The court ruled that Plaintiff had not conducted a reasonable search for information regarding his illness when the disease was discovered, and that his claims are not time-barred.
Dust
Railroad workers are exposed to various types of dust, including silica from coal dust, ballast and petroleum or chemical fuels. These toxic substances pose a threat to the health of workers and can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma.
Our FELA attorney has helped a lot of people pursue compensation for their exposure to these substances. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with certain diseases to claim their employers are accountable for failing to safeguard them from unsafe work environments.
For example for instance, a Montana jury gave $3.7 million to a former engineer of the locomotive who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease caused by scarring of the lung tissue. Bladder cancer lawsuit alleged that breathing diesel exhaust on hundreds or even thousands of occasions contributed to the development of his lung disease. Jurors were not convinced by the defense experts' testimony that the engineer's lung condition could have a different source.
Similar to that, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club successfully filed a lawsuit against BNSF railroad over its coal trains. Every time a train goes through the Gorge and pollutes sensitive habitats for wildlife and plants, wetlands, tributary streams, and the Columbia River with coal dust and debris. In the wake of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge and other locations.
Asbestos
Railroad workers have long been exposed to dangerous chemicals. While asbestos has been mostly removed from the workplace, other harmful materials still remain. Chemical solvents for example, have been found to cause asthma and respiratory diseases. Railroad workers are able to sue their employers to get compensation for their losses.
In one case in one case, a 61-year old locomotive engineer received $2.6 million following a jury verdict that found that his work on the railroad made him suffer from diesel asthma. The condition caused him to be on medical leave and lose wages. He also had to undergo two back surgeries, including an lumbar spinal fusion with multiple levels that added up to a significant amount of medical expenses.
He stated that while working on various railways, he was constantly exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines, strong smells silica dust particles chemicals and spray paints and black smoke, welding grease, motor grease and engine oil. The chest tightened, the throat ached, and he was having difficulty swallowing. Bladder cancer lawsuit suffered from bronchitis and allergies, as well.
The railroads successfully argued the release of the plaintiff in 1996 should be a bar to his lawsuit since he knew about the risk of exposure to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices also argued that the statute of limitations should be extended until the plaintiff was diagnosed with cancer in order to allow him to seek medical care and determine if his condition was a result of his work.
Poor Ventilation
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with lung disease, mesothelioma or any other cancer that is related to your job in the railway industry, you might be able bring a FELA lawsuit against the company which employed you. FELA lawsuits can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact an Houston FELA attorney today to discuss your case.
A jury awarded $2.6 million to a former Conrail engineer in the case of occupational diseases after determining the cause of his asthma-related debilitating condition. The jury concluded that his exposure to diesel exhaust fumes was nearly continuous while working with locomotives in rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers argued that the railroad failed to stop this type of exposure by not putting in proper ventilation in the cabs of locomotives.
Railroad workers are exposed toxic chemicals, as well as diesel fumes. Asbestos, benzene, as well as other carcinogens are often found in railroad maintenance and construction materials. Sadly, these toxic materials can trigger a myriad of cancers and other serious health issues, including pulmonary disorders like asthma.
If you have asthma that arose due to your working on the railroad, or when you have someone you love who has been diagnosed with cancer that may be related to the rail industry and hiring a Houston FELA lawyer can help you ensure that your employer is held accountable for their incompetence. By contacting a seasoned attorney as soon as possible you will increase your chances of obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for your suffering and losses.