A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Railroad workers who develop certain illnesses like leukemia are often capable of filing lawsuits against their employers. This is because the Federal Employers Liability Act allows employees to seek compensation for their illnesses.
A benzene exposure suit cannot help reverse the damage caused by cancer, or bring back a loved one. However, it can help pay for medical expenses related to treatment.
Benzene
The colorless, flame-resistant liquid that has been proven to be harmful when it comes in contact with human skin. It is also a carcinogen and has been linked to specific kinds of cancers like leukemia.
Studies show that workers exposed to benzene at low levels at work face a 40 percent higher risk 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 of exposure.
OSHA restricts exposure to benzene while working, but some railroad companies do not follow the rules. This could result in railroad workers suffering from serious illnesses like leukemia. A FELA lawyer can help the workers receive legal compensation.
Leukemia is a serious condition that can cause various complications for the sufferer, including bone marrow failure and organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA lawyer can help the victim obtain compensation for medical expenses as well as lost wages, emotional trauma, and more. During the process of litigation the victim may have to give depositions in order to answer questions from opposing attorneys under swearing. In certain cases, a jury trial may be required.
Creosote
Creosote can be a problem for railroad workers who clean rail ties or paint trains, or work with other materials in the maintenance of right-of-way. This chemical has been linked to skin cancer as well as other health issues. Workers have also complained of stomach pain, headaches and breathing problems. Creosote does not dissolve in water, and it can be transmitted to family members through footwear or clothing.
Other toxic chemicals on trains are benzene (a carcinogen) asbestos, benzene (a carcinogen), and other cancer-causing chemicals. A plaintiff might be able to seek damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) in the event it's proven that he or her was injured because of exposure to these chemicals when working on trains.
A seasoned FELA lawyer could help to establish that an employee's injuries resulted from exposure to hazardous chemicals on the job. This may require hiring experts to testify on the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim's quality of life and ability to work and whether the defendant harmed its workers.
If class action lawsuit against railroads is diagnosed with a serious illness linked to their work it is recommended that they consult an attorney as soon as possible. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP has decades of experience in representing clients in these cases. Call us today to arrange an appointment.
Asbestos
Railroad workers were frequently exposed to toxic asbestos on the job. Asbestos is known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and other maladies. Asbestos fibres can accumulate in the lungs, which could cause a variety respiratory issues years or decades after exposure. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of certain types cancer.
Another ingredient that can cause blood cancers in railroad workers is benzene. Benzene was widely used by railroad workers to clean their equipment and components. Workers dunked rags in benzene-containing solvents to wash engines and other equipment. The chemical is also present in diesel fuel and is a by-product of diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been affected by a blood cancer, or another disease, due to working on a railroad should speak with a railroad attorney. A licensed FELA lawyer can assist clients recover the compensation they are due for their losses.
FELA is an act of the federal government that permits railroad employees who have been injured to file a claim for their injuries. An experienced railroad leukemia lawyer can assist clients to determine if they are eligible for compensation under this process. For example an employee of a railroad who was exposed to chemicals such as benzene, creosote and asbestos may be entitled to compensation. To file a FELA lawsuit, the victim must be diagnosed within three years after being exposed to toxic substances.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers often face deadly and debilitating illnesses like cancers, blood disorders and lung diseases due to their exposure to carcinogenic substances in the rail yards. You or a loved one could be entitled to financial compensation if you or loved ones suffered from leukemia or another serious illness due to exposure to chemicals at work. This is covered under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A lawsuit filed by a railroad worker could help you receive the compensation you require to cover your medical bills and other expenses. These cases can help ensure that your employers are held accountable for their negligence of failing to safeguard their workers from these dangerous chemicals.
The FELA gives those who suffer from occupational injuries the right pursue financial compensation through a court trial. This is distinct from workers compensation, which gives benefits to employees through an administrative process.
Workers who were exposed to toxic chemicals like benzene or asbestos are at greater risk risk of developing cancer or blood disorders, along with other illnesses. This includes workers who were in close contact with these toxic substances, including locomotive engineers and train conductors. One former railroad worker, for example was awarded an $7.5 million verdict in September, after he developed Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia because of his experience working with asbestos and other carcinogenic substances.