Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogens that are dangerous. Exposure to toxic substances like diesel fuel, benzene and creosote is linked to cancers and chronic illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer and bladder cancer.
Contact a lawyer who specializes in railroad cancer today for a no-cost initial consultation for anyone who to you has been diagnosed with an illness that is related to your employment with railway.
Exposure to carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed many carcinogens every day. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Numerous lawsuits for cancer of the railroad have been filed against various railroad companies. These lawsuits have been filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) that was created in 1908.
People who suffer from cancer as a result of exposure to the workplace may be qualified for compensation. A knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer will examine a victim's claim to determine if they have a feasible FELA lawsuit against the company responsible for the illness.
A railroad worker could be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that result from their illness. A lawyer can assist clients file a lawsuit within the three-year statute of limitations set by FELA.
Plaintiff James Brown alleges that he developed leukemia as the result from years of working on trains with unprotected exposure to chemicals like creosote and degreasing solvents. He was employed on brake shoes tanks cars, cabooses and brake shoes. He claims he stood on railroad ties that smelled of creosote and saw signs on train cars with skulls and crossbones, informing the passengers that the contents contained harmful substances. He also claims to have been exposed to diesel fumes when working on locomotive engines and when he stopped in tunnels. The toxins caused him headaches and caused breathing difficulties.
Failure to Provide a safe Work Environment
While railroad work has always been a risky job, new studies have revealed that a lot of common railway-related risks have a direct link to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires railroad companies to provide workers with enough guidance and protection to ensure their safety. If they fail to comply with the law, they could be held responsible for serious injuries resulting in death or financial ruin.
It is recommended that you seek legal advice from a seasoned lawyer in the event that you were a railroad worker or have a loved-one who was. An attorney can help you determine whether your exposure to carcinogens on the job is enough for you to file an action. A three-year statute of limitations is in place, which means you must contact an attorney as soon as possible.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers also are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as creosote as well as diesel fumes and exhaust. Most often, these toxic fumes can cause cancer in a variety of forms including mesothelioma and various lung diseases. It is imperative to get in touch with a railroad accident lawyer immediately if you have developed one of these conditions.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC from September 1975 to December 2015. He claims that his employment at the ICRC caused him to develop renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was constantly exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride. This is used by railroads for cleaning their brake systems and tracks.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit can be brought under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which permits railroad employees to file claims directly against their employers. In order for a worker to be able to claim damages, they must establish that the railroad company's negligence contributed to their injury or illness.
While working on the railway, plaintiff Greger was exposed to various toxic chemicals and environmental conditions. These included carbon tetrachloride, which is used to clean rail and braking systems. He claims that the company did not take the time to warn him about the risks of the chemical that has been linked to cancer.
He also claims to have walked on rail ties which were coated in creosote. The substance was regarded as a hazard. He also inhaled 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 when he stopped in tunnels while on a locomotive.
He claims that he asked his doctors about the link between his work on the railway and kidney cancer, but they did not provide any details about this connection. He argues that this was negligent and the railroad in question should have known about the connection between exposure to these chemicals and kidney cancer. class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad is seeking to recover compensation for his medical expenses and pain and suffering, lost earnings and emotional distress.
Damages
The damages in a railroad lawsuit kidney cancer claim result from a combination of medical expenses along with lost wages and other expenses. The amount of these damages could vary greatly based on the particular case. An experienced attorney will make sure that you are compensated fully for your losses.
In 2008, a man of 51 was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic Disorder (MDS). He was employed as maintenance of way employees for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 to 2008 as a machinist. During this period, he experienced many years of exposures to benzene-based chemicals like creosote as well as degreasing solvents.
Railroad companies have a legal responsibility to adhere to government safety standards for their workplaces, which include protecting workers from exposure to known carcinogens. If a railroad fails to adhere to these regulations, the consequences can be devastating for the victims and their families.
Hughes Law Offices has represented thousands injured people, including railroad workers exposed to toxic fumes. Call us now for a free consultation with an experienced attorney for railroad injuries. The founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for the majority of his legal career. As such, He is knowledgeable about the laws that govern these claims and the conditions that can result from on-the-job exposure.