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Unexpected Business Strategies That Helped Railroad Lawsuit Acute Myeloid Leukemia Succeed
FELA and Railroad Lawsuits

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

A railroad worker suffering from leukemia has been awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one instance of how the justice system is standing up for victims.


Benzene

Railroad workers frequently work with chemical solvents as well as other hazardous substances, like benzene. Benzene, a liquid that is highly evaporative is absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It is associated with several medical conditions like cancer blood-related cancers, such as Lymphoma and leukemia, as well as bone-marrow diseases. It is also a substance that causes cancer and a component of coal tar creosote that is used to protect railroad ties from sunlight, heat and rain.

A former railway worker claimed that exposure to benzene working with coal-tar creosote to make railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave him $7.5 million in September.

Anyone who has been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic illnesses due to exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances and other toxic chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations could differ, so it is imperative to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible.

A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine if your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations and we are knowledgeable about FELA and railroad workplaces.

Asbestos

Our attorneys have represented railroad employees who suffered from lung cancer and other illnesses due to asbestos exposure. They worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards, as well as on track equipment or derailed rail cars that contained asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos can be extremely dangerous, as when it degrades, tiny fibers are released in the air. The fibers can be breathed in by railroad workers and can cause mesothelioma along with other asbestos-related health conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis as well as pleural plaques and fibrosis.

In addition to asbestos railroad workers are at risk of developing lung ailments due to diesel exhaust and exposure to other workplace toxins, such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes can cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. These injuries can be identified many years after the initial exposure, and can cause a variety serious and debilitating conditions.

Recent cases against Conrail illustrates the risks associated with this kind of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against Conrail for an ex-railway worker who died of mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages to compensate for suffering and pain and companionship loss, as well as future medical expenses and other losses. class action lawsuit for lung cancer to work with an experienced attorney who is able to quickly assess whether a FELA claim is warranted.

Radioactive Substances

Railroad workers exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers and other serious diseases. They are often concealed in the materials used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. They are often difficult to identify unless the railroad company is actively screening them for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railway worker develops cancer or another disease caused by exposure to carcinogenic chemicals on the job, he may submit an FELA and receive compensation from the company he worked for previously.

Railroad workers are more likely than others to develop cancers. They are continuously exposed to toxic substances that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos as well as sand (silica) welding fumes, or diesel fumes.

Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as the result of exposure to radiation on the job should consult a railroad lawyer as soon as is possible. They can help them determine whether they have a claim against the former employer and make the appropriate lawsuits that are based on FELA. These lawsuits can cover compensation for medical costs, loss of income and pain and suffering. In addition, they can compensate for the loss of a loved one as part of the event of wrongful death. A railroad attorney with experience can help victims get the full amount of damages that they are entitled to, under FELA.

FELA

Engineers, conductors, and train crew members work in hazardous environments where they can damage their lungs, without even realizing it. Former railroad workers who have developed lung cancer or other conditions that may have been due to their work may apply for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).

As opposed to workers' compensation FELA permits railroad employees who have been injured to sue. This includes future and past emotional and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with FELA regulations can tell you the options.

To be successful in a FELA claim you must show that your employer acted negligently. Negligence could mean breaking a rule or law or failing to adhere to the reasonable standards of care, and many more. A knowledgeable FELA lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if the railroad's negligence contributed to your condition.

Railroad exposure can cause variety of lung diseases. If you were exposed during your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxic substances like creosote and asbestos or creosote mesothelioma lawyers can assist you in filing an action for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of verdicts and settlements.

Here's my website: https://sites.google.com/view/railroadcancersettlements