Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to dangerous carcinogens. The exposure to diesel fuel, benzene, creosote and other toxic substances has led to cancer and other chronic conditions such as leukemia, lung cancer mesothelioma, bladder cancer and kidney cancer.
If Bladder cancer lawsuit or someone you know has been diagnosed with a serious illness caused by your involvement with railroads, contact a knowledgeable railroad cancer attorney to schedule a consultation for no cost.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed a variety of dangerous carcinogens on a daily basis. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Numerous lawsuits for cancer of the railroad have been filed against a variety of railroad companies. cancer lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act, that was passed in 1908.
Patients who contract cancer because of exposure to toxic substances may be eligible for compensation. A knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer will examine a victim's claim to determine whether there is a feasible FELA lawsuit against the company that caused the illness.
A railroad worker may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, medical expenses and other damages resulting from their illness. A lawyer can help the client with filing a suit prior to the three-year statute set forth by FELA.
Plaintiff James Brown alleges that he developed leukemia as the result from years of working on trains with unprotected exposure to chemicals such as creosote, and degreasing solvents. He worked on tank cars, brake shoes and cabooses. Leukemia lawsuit claims to have walked on railroad ties which smelled of creosote and saw placards on train cars with skulls and crossbones, informing the passengers that the contents contained harmful substances. He claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes while working on locomotive engines or in tunnels when he stopped. The toxins made breathing difficult and caused headaches.
Inability to provide a Safe Work Environment
While railroad work has always been a high-risk job, recent studies have shown that many of the common railway occupational hazards have a direct link to cancer and other serious diseases. Federal law requires railroad employers to provide their workers with adequate direction and protection in order to ensure their safety. If they do not they could be held accountable for serious injuries that could result in death and financial ruin.
If you are a railroad employee or have a family member who was a railway worker and you are interested in seeking legal advice from a knowledgeable attorney. An attorney can help determine if you have a case that can be pursued in light of your exposure to carcinogens which are potentially deadly. A three-year statute is in place, and you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
In addition to asbestos railroad workers also have to deal with toxic chemicals such as creosote, diesel fumes and exhaust. Most often, these toxic fumes can trigger cancer in a variety of forms including mesothelioma and other lung diseases. If you've suffered from any of these conditions it is essential that you consult an experienced railroad injury lawyer right away.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC from September 1975 to December 2015. The plaintiff claims that his position at the ICRC caused him to develop renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was constantly exposed to the hazardous chemical carbon tetrachloride. This chemical is utilized by railroads for cleaning their brake systems and tracks.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit may be filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which allows railroad employees to directly lodge complaints against their employers. In order for a worker to claim damages, they must prove that the negligence of the railroad company contributed to their injury or illness.
Plaintiff Greger was exposed, while working on the railroad, to various toxic chemicals and environmental conditions. These included carbon tetrachloride which is used to clean rail and braking systems. He claims that the company did not inform him about the potential dangers of this chemical, which is known to cause cancer.
He also walked on rail ties that were coated with creosote, a substance he claimed was known to be harmful. He also breathed in diesel fumes inside the cabs of locomotives and testified that he suffered from headaches and difficulty breathing. He was also exposed to diesel exhaust while stopping in tunnels on running locomotives and claims that this caused him to feel sick.
He claims that when he asked doctors about the connection between his work in the railway industry, kidney cancer and his doctors refused to give any information. He argues that this was negligent and the railroad in question ought to have known about the connection between these exposures and kidney cancer. He seeks compensation for medical expenses and suffering and pain, loss of earnings and emotional stress.
Damages
The damages in a kidney cancer lawsuit filed by a railroad are the result of a combination of medical expenses along with lost wages and other expenses. The amount of damages will vary widely depending on the specific case. A skilled attorney will work to ensure that you receive full compensation for the losses you suffered.
In one example an older man, 51, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He was a machinist with Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor, Union Pacific Railroad, from 1976 until 2008. During this period, he experienced years of exposure to benzene-rich chemicals, including creosote and degreasing solvents.
Railroad companies are legally responsible for ensuring compliance with workplace safety rules. This includes ensuring that workers are protected from carcinogens. When a railroad company fails to adhere to these regulations, the consequences can be devastating for the victims and their families.
The lawyers at Hughes Law Offices have represented thousands injured victims, including many railroad workers who were exposed to toxic fumes. Contact us today to get a no-cost consultation with an experienced railroad injury attorney. The founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for the majority of his legal career, therefore his knowledge of the laws governing these claims as well as the risks that can result from on-the-job exposure.