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15 Things You Didn't Know About Railroad Lawsuit Acute Myeloid Leukemia
FELA and Railroad Lawsuits

Railroad workers exposed to toxic chemicals like diesel exhaust fumes, coal fumes, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing a serious illness such as cancer. A successful FELA case could award damages to cover medical expenses, lost income as well as suffering and pain.

Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to an employee of the railroad who contracted Leukemia. This is only one illustration of how the justice system stands up for the injured.

Norfolk Southern Railway lawsuit work with chemical solvents and other hazardous materials, including benzene. It is a highly evaporative liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to a number of medical ailments, including blood cancers, cancers of the blood like leukemia and lymphoma, as well as bone marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen as well as a component of coal tar creosote, which is used to protect railroad ties from heat, sunlight rain, and snow.

One former rail worker claimed exposure to benzene during his work with coal tar creosote railroad ties caused Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), that progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury handed him $7.5 million in September.

Those who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses resulting from exposure to asbestos, benzene, radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals can seek compensation under FELA. The time period for filing claims can differ based on the nature and degree of cancer or illness. It is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

A railroad attorney from Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is a valid FELA claim. We provide no-cost consultations and are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces as well as the hazardous cancer-causing substances that railroad workers face every day.

Asbestos

Our attorneys have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer or other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They typically worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards or on rail cars with derailments or track equipment that contained asbestos insulation that was becoming degraded. This type of asbestos can be extremely dangerous, as when it deteriorates tiny fibers are released in the air. The fibers are breathed in by railroad employees and can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaque.

Railroad workers are at the risk of developing lung disease due to diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often discovered after years of exposure and can cause several grave and debilitating health conditions.


Recent cases against Conrail shows the dangers associated with this type work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against Conrail for an employee of the railroad who passed away from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, future medical costs and other expenses. The case underscores the importance of working with an experienced attorney who is able to quickly assess whether a FELA claim is warranted.

Radioactive Substances

Railroad workers who are exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers as well as other serious illnesses. These substances are typically hidden in the materials railroads use to clean tracks and other rail yards. It is often difficult to spot them unless the railroad's business actively tests for Gamma and Alpha radiation. If a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another ailment caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, he can submit a FELA and receive compensation from his former employer.

Research has proven that railroad workers are much more likely to develop various cancers than other people. They are constantly exposed toxins which can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos and the mineral sand (silica) welding fumes or diesel fumes.

Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of on-the-job exposure should consult an attorney from the railroad as soon as they can. They can help them determine whether they have a claim against the former employer and initiate the appropriate lawsuits in accordance with FELA. These claims could include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, discomfort and pain. They may also seek compensation for the loss of a loved one through a wrongful-death claim. An experienced railroad attorney can help victims get the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to under FELA.

FELA

Conductors, engineers, and train crew members work in dangerous environments where they could damage their lungs without even realizing. Former railroad workers who have developed lung cancer or other conditions which could be caused by their job can file 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 sue for damages including past and future emotional suffering and medical expenses. A lawyer who is familiar with rules under FELA could provide you with options for filing.

To prevail in a FELA lawsuit, you will have to prove that your employer acted in a negligent manner. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law or not achieving an acceptable standard of care, and much more. A FELA lawyer can look over your case and determine whether railroad negligence caused your illness.

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 reputable mesothelioma lawyer will assist you in claiming compensation under FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have resulted in a variety of settlements and verdicts.

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