Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Rail workers are exposed to carcinogens. Exposure to harmful substances like diesel fuel, benzene, and creosote is linked to cancers and chronic illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an illness of serious severity that was related to your involvement with railroads, contact a qualified railroad cancer attorney today for a no-cost consultation.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Every day railroad workers are exposed to carcinogens. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuits involving different railroad companies have been filed in huge numbers. The lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which was enacted in 1908.
Plaintiffs who develop cancer due to on-the-job exposure to toxins may be eligible for compensation. A lawyer for railroad injuries will review a victim’s claim and determine if it is possible to file a FELA lawsuit is possible against the company that caused the illness.
A railroad worker may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses or lost wages, as well as other damages resulting from their illness. Lawyers can assist the client with filing a suit prior to the three-year statute set forth by FELA.
Plaintiff James Brown alleges that he developed leukemia as a result of years of working on trains exposed to chemicals such as creosote and degreasing solvents. He worked on tanks, brake shoes and cabooses. He claims he walked across railroad ties that smelled like creosote, and saw placards bearing skulls and crosses on train cars, which indicated toxic substances. He claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes during working on engines for locomotives or when stopping in tunnels. The toxins caused him headaches and caused breathing difficulties.
Inability to provide a Safe Work Environment
Despite the fact that work on railroads has always presented a significant risk, recent studies have shown that many of the common occupational hazards in railroads are directly connected to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires railroad employers to provide their workers with adequate protection and direction to ensure their safety. If they fail to do this, they could be liable for serious injuries that can cause death and financial ruin.
You should seek advice from a knowledgeable lawyer if you were a railroad employee or have someone you love who was. A lawyer can help you determine if you are a case that can be pursued based on your on-the-job exposure to dangerous carcinogens. There is a three-year period of limitations, so it is crucial to speak with an attorney immediately.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers also are exposed to toxic chemicals such as creosote, diesel fumes, and exhaust. Most often, these toxic fumes can cause cancer of various types, including mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases. If you've been diagnosed with any of these conditions, it is critical that you speak with a qualified railroad accident lawyer as soon as you can.
The plaintiff worked for the ICRC as a mechanic/carman between September 1975 until December 2015. The plaintiff claims that his position at the ICRC led to his developing renal (and then adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was continuously exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride. It is used by railroads to clean their brake systems and tracks.
Negligence
A lawsuit against a railroad company can be brought under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which allows railroad workers to file a complaint directly against their employers. In order for a worker to be able to claim damages, they must prove that the negligence of the railroad company contributed to their injury or illness.
In his time on the railway, plaintiff Greger was exposed to various hazardous chemicals and environmental conditions. Carbon tetrachloride was used to clean brake and rail systems. The company failed to inform him of the potential dangers of this chemical, that is known to cause cancer.
He also claims to have walked upon rail ties coated in creosote. The substance was regarded as a hazard. He also breathed in diesel fumes in locomotive cabs and testified that the fumes "gagged him," made breathing difficult, and caused headaches. He claims to have been sickened by diesel exhaust while he was in tunnels while riding the train.
He claims that when he asked doctors about the connection between his work in the railway industry kidney cancer, as well as his doctors, they refused to provide any information. He asserts that this was a case of negligence and that the railroad should be aware of the link between these exposures and kidney cancer. He seeks compensation for the medical expenses in addition to pain and suffering and the loss of earnings.
Damages
In a railroad cancer lawsuit damages are a mix between medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The amount of these damages can vary greatly depending on the individual case. An experienced lawyer will work to ensure that you are fully compensated for the losses you suffered.
In one instance, a 51-year-old man was diagnosed with myelodysplastic disorder (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He worked as an employee of maintenance of way for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 to 2008 as a machinist. In that time, he had to endure years of exposure to benzene-rich chemicals, including creosote and degreasing solvents.
Railroad companies are legally accountable for adhering to workplace safety regulations. mesothelioma lung cancer lawsuit includes safeguarding workers from carcinogens. If a railroad company fails in this duty and causes harm to those affected and their families can be devastating.
Hughes Law Offices has represented thousands injured people and railroad workers exposed to toxic fumes. Contact us today for a free consultation from an experienced and knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer. Andrew Hughes, the founder of the firm, has been defending railroads in FELA claims for the majority of his legal career. He is familiar with the laws and the conditions that could be caused by exposure to work.