Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous carcinogens. Exposure to toxic substances like gasoline, diesel fuel, benzene and creosote has been linked to cancers as well as chronic conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and bladder cancer.
Call a railroad cancer lawyer today to schedule a complimentary initial consultation if you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with a serious disease that is linked to your employment with the railway.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Every day, railroad workers are exposed to carcinogens. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuit s against different railroad companies have been filed in huge amounts. The lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which was passed in 1908.
The victims who develop cancer due to on-the-job exposure to toxins may be entitled to compensation. A skilled lawyer for railroad injuries will review the claim of a victim to determine whether there is a viable FELA lawsuit against the business responsible for their illness.
A railroad employee could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages due to their illness. Lawyers can assist the client file a lawsuit within the three-year period of limitations imposed by FELA.
James Brown, the plaintiff claims that Leukemia was contracted by him after years exposed to chemicals without protection like creosote, or degreasing solvents. He worked on tanks as well as brake shoes and cabooses. He claims he walked on railroad ties that smelled like creosote, and he saw placards bearing skulls and crosses on train cars, which indicated toxic substances. He also claims he was exposed to diesel fumes working on engines for locomotives and when he stopped in tunnels. The toxins caused headaches and made breathing difficult.
Failure to provide a safe Work Environment
Although railroad work has always been a high-risk job, modern studies show that many common railway-related risks have a direct correlation to cancer and other serious illnesses. Leukemia lawsuit requires railroad employers to provide their employees with adequate protection and direction to ensure their safety. If they fail to provide this and they fail to do so, they could be held liable for serious injuries which can cause death and financial ruin.
If you're a railroader or have a family member who was a railway worker, you should consider seeking legal assistance from an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you determine if you have a case that can be pursued in light of your exposure to carcinogens and other dangerous substances. There is a three-year statute of limitations, so it is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as you can.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers also have to deal with toxic chemicals such as creosote, diesel fumes, and exhaust. In many cases, these toxic fumes can cause cancer in a variety of forms, including mesothelioma, among other lung diseases. If you've been diagnosed with one of these diseases it is imperative to speak with an experienced railroad accident lawyer as soon as you can.
The plaintiff worked for the ICRC as a mechanic/carman from September 1975 to December 2015. He claims that his time at the ICRC led to his developing renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was exposed to the hazardous chemical carbon tetrachloride, which is used by railroads for cleaning their tracks and braking systems.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit can be filed under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) which allows railroad employees to directly lodge complaints against their employers. In order for a worker to pursue damages, they must establish that negligence on the part of the railroad company was the cause of their illness or injury.
Plaintiff Greger was exposed when working on the railroad, to a number hazardous chemicals and environmental conditions. These included carbon Tetrachloride, which is used to clean braking and rail systems. He says that the company failed to warn him about the dangers of the chemical that has been associated with cancer.
He also walked across rail ties sprayed with creosote, which he claims was recognized as a danger. He also breathed in diesel fumes inside locomotive cabs and testified that the fumes "gagged him," made breathing difficult and caused headaches. He also was exposed to diesel exhaust while in tunnels of locomotives that were running, and claims that this caused him to feel sick.
He claims he questioned his doctors about the link between his work on the railway and kidney cancer however they failed to offer any information about this connection. He claims that this was a form of negligence and that the defendant railway should be aware of the connection between these exposures and kidney cancer. He seeks compensation for the medical expenses as well as pain and suffering, as well as lost earnings.
Damages
The damages in a kidney cancer lawsuit filed by a railroad result from medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. The amount of damages could vary based on the particular case. A competent attorney will ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation for your losses.
In one instance the man was 51 years old and diagnosed with myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He worked as a machinist at Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad, from 1976 until 2008. He was exposed to chemicals containing creosote and benzene. and degreasing agents.
Railroad companies have a legal obligation to follow government safety regulations for workplaces. These include safeguarding workers from exposure to known carcinogens. If a railroad company does not comply in its duty the consequences for the victims and their families can be devastating.
The attorneys at Hughes Law Offices have represented thousands of injured victims, including many railroad workers who were exposed to toxic fumes. Contact us today for a free consultation with an expert railroad injury lawyer. Andrew Hughes, the founder of the firm, has been defending railroads in FELA claims for the bulk of his legal career. He is well-versed with the law and the potential conditions that can result from exposure to the workplace.