Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogens with a high risk of cancer. Exposure to diesel fuel benzene, creosote and other toxic substances has contributed to cancer and other chronic conditions such as leukemia, lung cancer, mesothelioma bladder cancer and kidney cancer.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a serious illness that was connected to your work on railroads, contact an experienced lawyer for railroad cancer today for a no-cost consultation.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed to many carcinogens on a daily basis. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Numerous lawsuits for cancer of the railroad have been filed against various railroad companies. The lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act, created in 1908.
Plaintiffs who develop cancer due to on-the-job exposure to toxins could be qualified for compensation. A lawyer for railroad injuries will evaluate a claim by a victim and determine if it is possible to file a FELA lawsuit can be filed against the company that caused their illness.
A railroad worker may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages due to their illness. Lawyers can assist clients file a lawsuit within the three-year statute of limitations set by FELA.
James Brown, the plaintiff, claims that Leukemia was contracted by him after years of unprotected exposure of chemicals like creosote, or degreasing solvents. He worked on tanks brake shoes, cabooses and tank cars. He claims he worked on railroad ties, which smelled like creosote, and he observed placards on train cars with skulls and crossbones indicating the contents contained toxic substances. He also claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes when working on locomotive engines as well as when he stopped in tunnels. The toxins made breathing difficult and caused headaches.
Inability to provide a Safe Work Environment
Despite the fact that railroad work has always presented a significant risk, modern research has revealed that a number of the common occupational hazards in railways are directly related to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires railroad employers to provide their employees with sufficient direction and protection to keep them safe. If they fail to do this they could be held responsible for serious injuries that cause death or financial ruin.
If you're a railroad worker or have a family member who was a railroad employee it is recommended that you seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you determine the extent to which your exposure to carcinogens on the job is enough for you to file a lawsuit. A three-year statute of limitation is in place, so you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also exposed harmful chemicals like creosote as well as diesel fumes and exhaust. These harmful fumes are frequently the source of cancers, including mesothelioma, and other lung diseases. It is essential to seek out a railroad injury lawyer immediately if you have developed one of these ailments.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC from September 1975 through December 2015. The plaintiff claims that his position at the ICRC led to his developing renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He alleges that he was continually exposed to the dangerous 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), allowing railroad workers to directly lodge complaints against their employers. In order for a worker to claim damages, they must prove that the railroad company's negligence contributed to their illness or injury.
Plaintiff Greger was exposed during his work on the railroad, to various toxic chemicals and environmental conditions. These included carbon tetrachloride, which is used to clean braking and rail systems. He claims that the company did not notify him of the potential dangers of this chemical, which has been proven to cause cancer.
He also walked over rail ties sprayed with creosote, a substance he claimed was recognized as a danger. He also breathed diesel fumes inside locomotive cabs and testified to having headaches and difficulty breathing. He also breathed in diesel exhaust while stopping in tunnels on running locomotives and claims that this caused him to feel sick.
He claims he sought out his doctors about the link between his work on the railway and kidney cancer but they refused to provide any details about this connection. He argues that this was negligent and the defendant railroad should have been aware of the connection between the exposures and kidney cancer. He seeks compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, lost earnings and emotional distress.
Damages
The damages in a railroad lawsuit kidney cancer claim result from a combination of medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. The amount of damages can differ based on the particular case. A skilled lawyer will ensure that you receive the full amount for your losses.
In one example, a 51-year-old man was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He was maintenance of-way employees for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 until 2008 as a machinist. In that time, he endured years of exposure to benzene-laden chemicals including creosote and degreasing solvents.
Leukemia lawsuit are legally bound by a obligation to comply with government safety standards for their workplaces, which includes protecting workers from exposure to carcinogens that are well-known. If a railroad fails to adhere to these regulations and suffers the consequences, it can be devastating for the victims and their families.
Hughes Law Offices has represented thousands injured people including railroad workers who were exposed to toxic fumes. Contact us now for a free consultation from an experienced lawyer for railroad injuries. Founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for most of his legal career, so his knowledge of the laws that surround these claims, as well as the potential dangers that can result from on-the-job exposure.