Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma

Rail workers are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals and fumes like asbestos and silica. These exposures can cause respiratory disorders like asthma.

Fortunately, victims could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. An asthma attorney for railroad lawsuits can be of assistance. Here are some examples of settlements and verdicts.

Diesel Exhaust

Since trains operate on diesel fuel, the majority of railroad workers are exposed to a variety of diesel fumes through the day. These fumes consist of soot particles, as well as toxic chemicals. Exposure to these fumes may cause the development of asthma and other pulmonary diseases.

Railroads have been aware of dangers of exposure to diesel exhaust for years. Many companies haven't implemented adequate safeguards to protect their workers. As a result, some railroad workers have developed respiratory diseases that are debilitating.

When combined with other workplace hazards, such as asbestos, silica or creosote, exposure to diesel fumes could result in the development of life-threatening pulmonary diseases, including asthma. These symptoms can often prevent union pacific railroad lawsuits (Read A lot more) workers from returning to their jobs and can affect the quality of their lives.

In one case our attorneys successfully represented a FELA lawsuit brought by an engineer working on locomotives who claimed that he had developed leukemia and other cancers because of his exposure to toxic diesel fumes and toxic chemicals when working on railroad equipment. The court granted summary judgment for the railroad defendants, deciding that Plaintiff did not conduct an adequate search for information about his condition at the time of diagnosis, and that his claims were time-barred.

Dust

Railroad workers are often exposed to various kinds of dust, such as silica from ballast, coal dust, and chemical or petroleum fuels. These harmful substances can be harmful to a person's health and can cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

Our FELA lawyer has helped a number of people seek compensation for exposure to these substances. FELA allows workers with certain diseases to hold their employers accountable for failing to protect them from unsafe workplaces.

For instance for instance, a Montana jury handed down $3.7 million to a former locomotive engineer who was afflicted with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue. The defendant's FELA claim claimed that breathing diesel exhaust on hundreds or even thousands of occasions led to the development of his lung disease. The testimony of the experts for the defense did not convince jurors that the engineer's lung disease was due to another reason.

Similar to this, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club successfully sued BNSF railroad over its coal trains. Every time a train travels through the Gorge it pollutes the habitats for plants and wildlife, the wetlands, tributary rivers and union pacific railroad Lawsuits the Columbia River. BNSF has accepted to stop transporting coal in the Gorge, and other locations.

Asbestos

Rail workers have been exposed to hazardous chemicals for a long period of time. Other toxic materials remain in the workplace even when asbestos has been removed. Chemical solvents, for instance are recognized to cause asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements workers can sue their employers to recover damages.

In one case, the jury found that a 61-year-old locomotive engineer was suffering from asthma caused by diesel because of his railroad work. This illness caused him to be on medical leave and lose his wages. He also underwent two back surgeries, including the lumbar spine fusion with multilevels. All of this amounted to significant medical expenses.

He stated that the air he breathed was constantly contaminated with diesel exhaust fumes and strong smells. He also stated that his body was constantly exposed silica particles, chemical compounds, spray paints, and black smoke. His chest tightened and his throat hurt. He also had difficulty swallowing. He suffered from bronchitis and allergies as well.

The railroads successfully argued the releases the plaintiff signed in 1996 should not bar his class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad because he knew of the risk at the time he was exposed asbestos. Hughes Law Offices argued that the statute should be enacted until the plaintiff is diagnosed with cancer in order to allow him to seek medical care and determine if his condition is related to his work.

Poor Ventilation

If you or someone near you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or any other type of cancer that is related to your job in the railroad industry, you might be able make a FELA class action lawsuit against railroads against the company which employed you. FELA lawsuits may award compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, suffering and pain, and other damages. Contact an Houston FELA attorney today to discuss your case.

A jury has awarded an ex- Conrail engineer $2.6 million in his occupational illness trial after finding that the retired engineer's asthma-related problems were caused by his frequent exposure to diesel exhaust fumes while crewing locomotives at rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers argued that the railroad did not prevent this kind of exposure by not installing proper ventilation in the locomotive cabs.

In addition to the diesel fumes that railroad workers breathe, they also frequently come into contact with toxic chemicals and other harmful substances in their work. In the construction and maintenance of railroad materials, asbestos, benzene and other carcinogens can be found. These hazardous materials can lead to many kinds of cancers, as well as serious health issues like asthma.

If you suffer from asthma that is the result of your work on the railroad, or when you have family members who have been diagnosed with cancer that may be linked to the rail industry, a Houston FELA lawyer can help you ensure that your employer is held accountable for their negligence. By contacting an experienced lawyer as soon as you can you will increase your chances of getting the financial compensation you deserve for your suffering and losses.