A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract diseases, like leukemia, often sue their employer. The Federal Employers Liability Act gives workers the right to claim compensation for their disease.
A benzene exposure suit cannot help reverse the damage caused by cancer that is deadly or bring back the loved ones, but it can help offset medical costs associated with treatment.
Benzene
Benzene, a non-colorless liquid that can be ignited, poses a risk to human skin when in contact. It is also a carcinogen and has been linked with certain kinds of cancers, such as leukemia.
Research has shown that those exposed to benzene in low amounts at work face a 40% increased chance of developing leukemia. The risk is higher for those who have been exposed to benzene over an extended period of time. Workers in the oil refinery mechanics, printers, mechanics and gas pumpers are at risk from exposure.
The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) limits exposure of humans to benzene in the workplace however, some railroad companies fail to follow these rules. Railroad workers may be afflicted with serious illnesses such as leukemia. A FELA lawyer can help these workers obtain compensation for their loss under the law.
Leukemia can trigger serious complications, such as the failure of bone marrow or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA lawyer can help the victim obtain compensation for his or her medical expenses and lost wages, as well as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more. During the litigation process the victim might be required to take depositions to answer questions from opposing attorneys under an oath. In some cases a jury trial could be required.
Creosote
A railroad worker may be exposed to creosote if he or she cleans rail ties, paints trains or handles other materials that are used for maintenance of the right-of-way. This chemical can cause skin cancer as well as other medical issues. People have also reported headaches, stomach pain and breathing problems. Creosote does not dissolve in water, meaning it is able to be carried on shoes and clothing of other family members who come in contact with the person exposed.
Other toxic chemicals on trains include benzene (a carcinogen), asbestos, and other cancer-causing substances. A plaintiff could claim damages under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) in the event that it can be proved that he was injured as a result of exposure to these chemicals while working on the railway.
A seasoned FELA lawyer can show that an employee's injuries were related to on-the-job exposure to dangerous chemicals. This may involve hiring expert witnesses to testify about the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim's quality of life and work capacity, and whether the defendant failed to protect its workers.
If a railroad employee is diagnosed with a serious illness linked to their work, they should consult an attorney immediately. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP has decades of experience in representing clients in these cases. Call to schedule a free consultation today.
Asbestos
Railroad workers were often exposed to asbestos-containing toxic substances on the job. Asbestos is a cancer-causing agent that can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other illnesses. Asbestos fibres can lodge in lungs and cause respiratory issues for years or decades later. Asbestos-related sufferers could also be at an increased risk of developing certain types of leukemia.
Benzene is another substance that can lead to blood cancers in railroad workers. Benzene was widely used by railroad workers to clean their equipment and components. Workers would soak rags in benzene solvents to clean engines and other equipment. Diesel fuel contains benzene which is also a byproduct of diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or any other ailments as a consequence of working on a railroad should contact a professional railroad attorney. A licensed FELA lawyer can help clients get the compensation they deserve for their losses.
FELA is a federal law which allows injured railroad employees to make a claim for their injuries. A lawyer for railroad leukemia will assist clients in determining if they are entitled to compensation under this process. For example railway workers who was exposed to chemicals such as creosote, benzene, and asbestos may be entitled to compensation. To bring a FELA lawsuit, the plaintiff must be diagnosed within three years of having been exposed to toxic substances.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are often confronted with deadly and debilitating illnesses such as cancers, blood disorders and lung disease because of their exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in the rail yards. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with leukemia or any other serious illness as a result of exposure to chemicals at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
lawsuits against union pacific railroad brought by a railroad worker could help you get the cost of medical bills and other expenses. These cases can help hold your employers accountable for their lapses when it comes to protecting workers from these dangerous chemicals.
The FELA offers victims of occupational injuries the right to seek financial compensation in court through an open jury trial. This is distinct from workers' compensation, which offers benefits to employees through an administrative process.
Railroad workers who were exposed to toxic chemicals like benzene, creosote and asbestos are at increased possibility of developing cancers blood disorders, and other illnesses. People who worked in close contact with hazardous substances such as conductors and locomotive engineers are at risk. One former railroad worker, for example was awarded a $7.5 million settlement in September after he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia because of his experience working with asbestos and other carcinogenic substances.
