Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Rail workers are exposed carcinogens. Exposure to toxic substances such as diesel fuel, benzene, and creosote has been linked to cancers and chronic illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer.
If you or someone you know has developed a serious illness that was connected to your work on the railway, contact an experienced lawyer for railroad cancer today for a free consultation.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed to a variety of dangerous carcinogens every day. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Many railroad cancer lawsuits have been filed against a variety of railroad companies. The lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), established in 1908.
Patients who contract cancer due to on-the-job exposure may be entitled to compensation. A skilled lawyer for railroad injuries will review a claim of a victim to determine if there is an appropriate FELA lawsuit against the business responsible for their illness.
A railroad employee may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses or lost wages, as well as other damages related to their illness. A lawyer can assist a client in filing a lawsuit before the three-year deadline set by FELA.
James Brown, the plaintiff claims that his leukemia came on the heels of years of unprotected exposure of chemicals such as creosote and degreasing solvents. He was exposed to brake shoes, cabooses, tank cars and brake shoes. He claims he walked across railroad ties that smelled of creosote, and he saw placards bearing skulls and crosses on train cars, which indicated toxic substances. He also claims to have been exposed to diesel fumes when working on engines for locomotives and when stopping in tunnels. The toxins caused headaches and made breathing difficult.
Failure to Provide a Safe Work Environment
While railroad work has always been a risky job, new studies have revealed that many common railway-related occupational hazards are directly linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires that railroads give their workers adequate protection and direction to ensure their safety. If they do not comply, they may be held accountable for serious injuries that cause death or financial ruin.
You should seek advice from a seasoned lawyer when you were a railroad worker or if you have loved ones who were. An attorney can determine the extent to which your exposure to carcinogens on the job is sufficient for you to start an action. There is a three-year statute of limitations, therefore it is important to contact an attorney immediately.
Railroad workers are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as creosote, diesel fumes, and exhaust. These harmful fumes are frequently the reason for cancer, including mesothelioma, and other lung diseases. If railroad lawsuits have developed any of these conditions it is crucial that you consult a qualified railroad injury lawyer right away.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC from September 1975 until December 2015. The plaintiff claims that his position at the ICRC led to his developing renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was continually exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride. This is used by railroads for cleaning their tracks and braking systems.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit may be filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which permits railroad employees to file complaints directly against their employers. To be qualified for damages, the worker must show that the railroad company was negligent in causing his or her illness or injury.
Plaintiff Greger was exposed when working on the railroad, to a variety of toxic chemicals and environmental conditions. Carbon tetrachloride was used to clean brake and rail systems. He says that the company failed to warn him about the dangers of the chemical, which has been linked to cancer.
He also walked on rail ties sprayed with creosote, a substance he claimed was considered to be harmful. He also breathed diesel fumes from the cabs of locomotives and claimed 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 on the train.
He claims that he inquired with his doctors about the link between his railway work and kidney cancer, but they did not provide any information regarding this connection. He claims that this was negligence and that the railroad should be aware of the connection between these exposures to kidney cancer. He is seeking to recover compensation for medical expenses and suffering and pain, lost earnings and emotional distress.
Damages
The damages in a kidney cancer lawsuit filed by a railroad are a result of a combination of medical bills along with lost wages and other expenses. The amount of these damages can vary greatly depending on the specific case. A competent attorney will work to ensure that you are fully compensated for the losses you suffered.
In 2008, a man who was 51 was diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma (AML) and myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He was employed as a maintenance of way employee for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 to 2008 as a machinist. He was exposed to chemicals that contained benzene, including creosote, and degreasing agents.
Railroad companies are legally accountable for adhering to workplace safety regulations. This includes protecting workers from carcinogens. If a railroad company fails in this duty the consequences for the victims and their families could be devastating.
The attorneys at Hughes Law Offices have represented thousands injured individuals, including many railroad workers who have been exposed to toxic fumes. Contact us today to get a no-cost consultation with an experienced lawyer for railroad injuries. The Founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for the majority of his legal career, therefore he is familiar with the laws that surround these claims, as well as the potential dangers that can result from on-the-job exposure.