Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous carcinogens. Exposure to harmful substances such as gasoline, diesel fuel, benzene and creosote has been linked with cancers and chronic conditions like mesothelioma, lung cancer and bladder cancer.
If you or someone you care about has developed an illness that is serious and related to your involvement with the railway, contact a qualified railroad cancer attorney today for a free consultation.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed to numerous carcinogens that can cause harm on a regular basis. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuits involving different railroad companies have been filed in large numbers. These lawsuits have been filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), established in 1908.
Plaintiffs who develop cancer as a result of exposure to work-related hazards may be eligible for compensation. A skilled railroad injury lawyer will review the claim of a victim to determine if there's a viable FELA lawsuit against the company responsible for the condition.
A railroad worker could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that result from their illness. A lawyer can assist clients file a lawsuit within the three-year time frame of limitations imposed by FELA.
Plaintiff James Brown alleges that he was diagnosed with leukemia as a result from years of working on trains exposed to chemicals like creosote and degreasing solvents. He worked on brake shoes, tank cars, cabooses and brake shoes. He claims to have walked on railroad ties which smelled of creosote and saw signs on train vehicles with skulls and crossbones which indicated the contents contained toxic substances. He claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes working on locomotive engines or when stopping in tunnels. blacklands railroad lawsuit caused headaches and caused breathing difficulties.
Inability to provide a Safe Work Environment
Despite the fact that work on railroads has always been a high risk, modern research has revealed that a number of the common occupational hazards in railroads are directly connected to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires railroad employers to give their workers adequate protection and direction to ensure their safety. If they fail to do so with the law, they could be held responsible for serious injuries that result in death, or financial ruin.
If you are a railroad worker or have a family member who was a railroad worker and you are interested in seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney. An attorney can assist you to determine if you have a legal claim that is based on your on-the-job exposure to dangerous carcinogens. A three-year statute is in place, and you should consult with an attorney as soon as you can.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers also are exposed to toxic chemicals such as creosote and diesel fumes and exhaust. These toxic fumes are often the cause of cancer, including mesothelioma, as well as other lung diseases. It is crucial to contact a railroad injury lawyer immediately if you've been diagnosed with one of these conditions.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC from September 1975 through December 2015. He claims that his work with the ICRC caused him to develop renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was continuously exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride. This chemical is utilized by railroads for cleaning their tracks and brake systems.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit can be filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which allows railroad employees to file claims directly against their employers. In order for a worker to claim damages, they must establish that negligence on the part of the railroad company caused their injury or illness.
When he worked on the railway and in the braking system, plaintiff Greger was exposed to various toxic chemicals and environmental conditions. This included carbon tetrachloride which is used to clean rail and braking systems. He claims that the company did not notify him of the possible dangers of this chemical that is known to cause cancer.
He also claims to have walked across rail ties coated in creosote. The substance was regarded as harmful. He also breathed diesel fumes from the cabs of locomotives and testified that the fumes "gagged him," made breathing difficult, and caused headaches. He also inhaled diesel exhaust when he stopped in tunnels for locomotives running and claims that it made him feel ill.
He claims that when he inquired of doctors about the link between his work in the railway industry kidney cancer, his doctors refused to provide any information. He claims that this was negligent and the railroad in question should have been aware of the connection between the exposures to kidney cancer and these exposures. He is seeking compensation for medical expenses in addition to pain and suffering and the loss of earnings.
Damages
The damages in a kidney cancer lawsuit filed by a railroad result from the combination of medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. The amount of damages can differ widely based on the particular case. A skilled lawyer will ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation for the losses you suffered.
In 2008, a man who was 51 was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic Symptom (MDS). He was a machinist with Chicago & North Western Railway, and its successor Union Pacific Railroad, from 1976 until 2008. He was exposed to chemicals that contained creosote, benzene, and degreasing agents.
Railroad companies are legally responsible for ensuring that they adhere to safety regulations. This includes protecting workers from carcinogens. If a railroad company fails in its duty and the consequences for those affected and their families can be devastating.
The lawyers at Hughes Law Offices have represented thousands of injured people, including many railroad workers who were exposed to toxic fumes. Call us today for free consultation with an expert railroad injury lawyer. The founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for most of his legal career, so his knowledge of the laws that surround these claims and the conditions that can arise from job exposure.