Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Rail workers are exposed carcinogens. Exposure to toxic substances such as gasoline, diesel fuel, benzene and creosote has been linked with cancers and chronic diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer.
If you or someone you care about has developed a serious illness related to your involvement with a railway, call a qualified railroad cancer attorney now for a free consultation.
Exposure to carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed to many carcinogens on a daily basis. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuits against a variety of railroad companies have been filed in huge number. These lawsuits have been filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) that was created in 1908.
Patients who contract cancer due to exposure to work-related hazards could be eligible for compensation. A railroad injury lawyer will examine a claim of a victim and determine if an FELA lawsuit is possible against the business that caused their illness.
Railroad workers may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as lost wages and other damages related to their illness. An attorney can help a client file a lawsuit within the three-year time frame of limitations set by FELA.
James Brown, the plaintiff claims his leukemia came on the heels of years of exposure to chemicals that were not protected like creosote, or degreasing solvents. He worked on brake shoes tank cars, cabooses and brake shoes. He claims he walked across railroad ties that smelled of creosote, and he saw placards with skulls and crosses on train cars, indicating toxic substances. He also claims to have been exposed to diesel fumes while working on locomotive engines and when stopping in tunnels. The toxins caused headaches and made breathing difficult.
Failure to provide a safe Work Environment
Despite the fact that work in railroads has always presented a significant risk, modern studies have shown that many of the occupational hazards that are common in railways are directly linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires railroad employers to provide workers with sufficient direction and protection to ensure their safety. If they do not they could be held responsible for severe injuries that result in death or financial ruin.
If you are a railroad employee or have a family member who worked for a railroad, you should consider seeking legal advice from a knowledgeable attorney. An attorney can determine whether the exposure to carcinogens you have received on the job is enough to allow you to file a lawsuit. There is a three-year period of limitations, therefore it is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Railroad workers are exposed toxic chemicals, such as creosote and diesel fumes and exhaust. These toxic fumes can be the source of cancers, including mesothelioma and other lung diseases. If you've suffered from one of these diseases, it is critical to speak with a knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer immediately.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC from September 1975 through December 2015. He claims that his work with the ICRC led to his development of renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He alleges that he was continually exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride that is utilized by railroads to cleanse their tracks and braking systems.
Negligence
A lawsuit against a railroad company can be filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which permits railroad workers to directly make complaints against their employers. To be able to pursue damages, they must establish that negligence on the part of the railroad company contributed to their illness or injury.
Plaintiff Greger was exposed during his work on the railroad, to various hazardous chemicals and environmental conditions. Carbon tetrachloride was used to clean brake and rail systems. He claims that the company didn't inform him of the potential dangers of this chemical which is known to cause cancer.
He also claims to have walked upon rail ties which were coated in creosote. The substance was regarded as a hazard. He also inhaled diesel fumes in the cabs of locomotives and testified that he suffered from headaches and difficulty breathing. He also breathed in diesel exhaust while stopping in the tunnels of running locomotives, and claims that this made him feel ill.
He claims he questioned his doctors about the connection between his work on the railway and kidney cancer However, they didn't provide any details about this connection. He argues that this was negligent and that the railroad defendant ought to have known about the connection between these exposures and kidney cancer. He is seeking to recover compensation for his medical expenses and suffering and pain, loss of earnings and emotional distress.
Damages
The damages in a railroad lawsuit kidney cancer claim are a result of medical bills along with lost wages and other expenses. The amount of these damages can differ greatly based on the particular case. An experienced lawyer will work to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation for the losses you suffered.
In one example the man was 51 years old and diagnosed with myelodysplastic disease (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He was a maintenance of way employee for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 to 2008 as a machine operator. During this time, he had to endure years of exposure to benzene-rich chemicals, including creosote and degreasing solvents.
Railroad companies have a legal responsibility to adhere to government workplace safety regulations, which includes protecting workers from exposure to known carcinogens. If a railroad company fails in this duty and the consequences for those affected and their families can be devastating.
The attorneys at Hughes Law Offices have represented thousands injured individuals, including many railroad workers who were 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 representing railroads in FELA claims for the majority of his legal career. He is familiar with the law and the potential conditions that can be caused by occupational exposure.