Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogens with a high risk of cancer. Exposure to diesel fuel creosote, creosote and benzene among other toxic substances has contributed to cancer as well as other chronic diseases like leukemia, lung cancer, mesothelioma bladder cancer and kidney cancer.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an illness that is serious and connected to your work on railways, contact an experienced railroad cancer lawyer now for a free consultation.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed various carcinogens that are dangerous on a daily basis. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuits involving different railroad companies have been filed in large amounts. These lawsuits have been filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) that was created in 1908.
Plaintiffs who develop cancer due to on-the-job exposure to toxic substances may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer for railroad injuries will review the claim of a victim and determine if there is a FELA lawsuit can be filed against the company responsible for their illness.
A railroad worker could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, as well as other damages caused by their illness. An attorney can help a client file a lawsuit within the three-year statute of limitations imposed by FELA.
James Brown, the plaintiff claims the leukemia he contracted was the result of exposure to chemicals that were not protected like creosote, or degreasing solvents. He worked on tank cars brake shoes, cabooses, and tank cars. He claims he was walking on railroad ties that smelled of creosote. He also saw signs on train vehicles with skulls and crossbones indicating the contents contained toxic substances. He also claims to have been exposed to diesel fumes when working on locomotive engines and when stopping in tunnels. The toxins caused him headaches and caused breathing difficulties.
Failure to Provide an Occupational Safety Environment
Although railroad work has always been a high-risk job, recent studies have shown that many of the common railroad-related hazards are directly linked to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires railroad companies to provide their workers with adequate guidance and protection to ensure their safety. If they fail to do so and they fail to do so, they could be held liable for serious injuries which result in death or financial ruin.
It is recommended that you seek legal advice from a knowledgeable lawyer when you were a railroad worker or if you have a loved-one who was. An attorney can help you determine whether the exposure to carcinogens you have received on the job is sufficient for you to bring an action. There is a 3 year statute of limitations, therefore it is imperative to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers also have to deal with harmful chemicals like creosote and diesel fumes and exhaust. These toxic fumes are typically the causes of cancer, such as mesothelioma and other lung diseases. It is crucial to get in touch with a railroad accident lawyer immediately if you have developed one of these diseases.
The plaintiff worked for the ICRC as a mechanic/carman between September 1975 to December 2015. He claims that his position in the ICRC caused him to develop renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He alleges that he was continuously exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride that is utilized by railroads to cleanse their tracks and braking systems.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit may be brought under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which permits railroad employees to file complaints directly against their employers. In order for a worker to pursue damages, they must prove that negligence by the railroad company played a role in causing their illness or injury.
While working on the railway Plaintiff Greger was exposed to various hazardous chemicals and environmental conditions. These included carbon tetrachloride, which is used to clean the braking and rail systems. 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 that were coated in creosote. The substance was regarded as harmful. He also breathed in diesel fumes from the cabs of locomotives and testified to having headaches and breathing difficulties. He also inhaled diesel exhaust while he was in tunnels for locomotives running and claims that this caused him to feel sick.
He claims he questioned his doctors about the connection between his work on the railway and kidney cancer However, they didn't provide any information regarding the connection. He claims that this was a form of negligence and that the railroad should have been aware of the connection between these exposures to kidney cancer. He is seeking to recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings and emotional distress.
Damages
In a lawsuit involving cancer of the railroad, damages are a combination between medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. The amount of these damages could differ greatly based on the specific case. A competent attorney will ensure that you receive the full amount for your losses.
In 2008, a man aged 51 was diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma (AML) and myelodysplastic Symptom (MDS). He was a machinist with Chicago & North Western Railway, and its successor, Union Pacific Railroad, from 1976 to 2008. During that time, he endured years of exposure to benzene-based chemicals including creosote and degreasing solvents.
Railroad companies are legally responsible for adhering to workplace safety rules. This includes ensuring that workers are protected from carcinogens. If a railroad does not comply to do so and suffers the consequences, it can be devastating for the families of the victims.
Hughes Law Offices has represented thousands of injured individuals and railroad workers exposed to toxic fumes. Call us now for a no-cost consultation from an experienced lawyer for railroad injuries. The Founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for most of his legal career, so he is well-versed in the laws governing these claims and the dangers that can result from on-the-job exposure.