Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to carcinogens that are dangerous. Exposure to toxic substances like diesel fuel, benzene and creosote is linked to cancers as well as chronic conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer.
If you or someone you know has developed an illness that is serious and caused by your involvement with a railway, call an experienced lawyer for railroad cancer now for a free consultation.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed to many carcinogens on a regular basis. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuits against a variety of railroad companies have been filed in huge quantities. The lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which was passed in 1908.
Plaintiffs who develop cancer because of exposure to toxins may be qualified for compensation. A skilled lawyer for railroad injuries will review the claim of a victim to determine whether there is an appropriate FELA lawsuit against the business responsible for the condition.
A railroad worker could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages resulting from their illness. A lawyer can help the client file a lawsuit within the three-year time frame of limitations set by FELA.
Plaintiff James Brown alleges that he suffered from leukemia as a consequence of his work in trains that were exposed to chemicals like creosote and degreasing solvents. He worked on tank cars brake shoes, cabooses and tank cars. He claims he walked on railroad ties that smelled of creosote and saw placards bearing skulls and crosses on train cars, which indicated toxic substances. He also claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes when working on locomotive engines and when stopping in tunnels. The toxins caused headaches and caused breathing difficulties.
Inability to provide a Safe Work Environment
Despite the fact that work on railroads has always been associated with a high risk, modern studies have shown that many of the hazards common to work in railways are directly linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires railroad employers to provide their workers with adequate direction and protection to ensure their safety. If they fail to do so with this requirement, they could be held liable for severe injuries that cause death or financial ruin.
If you're a railroader or have a loved one who worked for a railroad, you should consider seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney. An attorney can determine if the exposure to carcinogens you have received on working is sufficient for you to start a lawsuit. A three-year statute is in effect, so you should 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 are often the source of cancers, including mesothelioma and other lung diseases. If you've developed any of these illnesses, it is critical that you consult a knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer immediately.
The plaintiff worked for the ICRC as a mechanic/carman from September 1975 until December 2015. The plaintiff claims that his position at the ICRC led to his developing renal (and then adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was constantly exposed to the hazardous chemical carbon tetrachloride, which is utilized by railroads to cleanse 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 prove that the railroad company was negligent in causing his or her illness or injury.
Plaintiff Greger was exposed, while working on the railroad, to a variety of hazardous chemicals and environmental conditions. Carbon tetrachloride is used to clean brake and rail systems. He claims that the company didn't inform him of the dangers of this chemical, which is known to cause cancer.
He also walked over rail ties coated in creosote. He claims it was recognized as a danger. He also breathed diesel fumes from the cabs of locomotives and claimed that the fumes "gagged him," made breathing difficult, and caused headaches. He was also exposed to diesel exhaust while in tunnels for locomotives running and claims that this caused him to feel sick.
wasatch railroad contractors lawsuit claims that when he inquired of doctors about the connection between his railway work kidney cancer, his doctors refused to give any details. He argues that this was negligent and that the railroad that was at fault should have known about the connection between the exposures and kidney cancer. He wants to be compensated for his medical costs along with pain and suffering as well as the loss of earnings.
Damages
The damages in a railroad lawsuit kidney cancer claim are a result of a combination of medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses. The amount of these damages can differ greatly based on the specific case. A knowledgeable lawyer will ensure that you are fully compensated for the losses you suffered.
In one instance an older man, 51, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic disease (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He worked as an employee of maintenance of way for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 until 2008 as a machinist. He was exposed to chemicals containing creosote as well as benzene and degreasing agents.
Railroad companies are legally responsible for adhering to workplace safety regulations. This includes protecting workers from carcinogens. If a railroad fails in this duty the consequences for the those affected and their families can be devastating.
Hughes Law Offices has represented thousands injured people as well as railroad workers exposed to toxic fumes. Call us now to get a no-cost consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable 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 in the laws and the conditions that could be caused by exposure to work.