A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Railroad workers who suffer from illnesses like leukemia may be in a position to sue their employer. The Federal Employers Liability Act gives workers the right to claim compensation for their disease.
A benzene exposure lawsuit cannot reverse the harm caused by dangerous cancer or bring back a loved one. However, it could help offset medical expenses related to treatment.
Benzene
The colorless, flammable liquid that is believed to be a danger when it comes into contact with human skin. It is also a well-known carcinogen, which has been linked to certain types of cancers, such as leukemia.
Studies have revealed that workers exposed to lower levels of benzene in their workplace are at a 40% increased risk of developing leukemia. The risk is higher for workers that have been exposed to benzene for extended time. Workers in the oil refinery mechanics, printers, mechanics and gas pumpers are at risk from exposure.
OSHA prohibits exposure to benzene at work however, some railroad companies aren't adhering to the regulations. This can result in railroad workers suffering from serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA lawyer can help these workers seek compensation for their loss under the law.
Leukemia is a severe illness which can trigger a number of complications for the victim, 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 much more. During the process of litigation the victim might be required to give depositions in order to answer questions from opposing attorneys under oath. In certain situations the jury trial may be necessary.
Creosote
Creosote could be a problem for railroad workers who clean rail ties or paint trains, or work with other materials during the maintenance of right-of-way. This chemical has been linked to skin cancer as well as other health problems. Some workers have complained of stomach pain, headaches and breathing problems. Creosote does not dissolve in water, which means it can be absorbed through shoes and clothing of other family members who come into contact with the person exposed.
Other toxic chemicals found on trains include benzene (a carcinogen) asbestos, benzene (a carcinogen), and other cancer-causing substances. A plaintiff may be able claim damages under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) in the event that it can be shown that he was injured due to exposure to these chemicals during his work on trains.
A seasoned FELA attorney could help demonstrate that an employee’s injuries were caused by on-the-job exposure of hazardous chemicals. This may involve hiring expert witnesses to testify about the severity of the injuries, the effect on the victim's life quality and work capacity, and whether the defendant failed to protect its workers.
If a railroad employee is diagnosed with a serious illness related to their job and their job, they should seek advice from an attorney right away. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP has decades of experience representing clients in these cases. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Asbestos
Asbestos was a noxious substance that railroad workers were exposed to while on the job. Asbestos is a cancer-causing agent that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other ailments. Asbestos fibres can lodge in the lungs and cause respiratory problems for years or even decades later. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of certain types cancer.
Benzene is a different chemical that can lead to blood cancers among railroad workers. Railroad workers used benzene extensively to clean components and equipment. Workers dipped 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 diagnosed with blood cancer or another disease as a result working for a railroad should contact a dedicated railroad attorney. A reputable FELA lawyer can assist clients obtain the compensation they are due for their losses.
FELA is an act of the federal government that permits railroad employees injured in the line of duty to make a claim for their injuries. An experienced railroad leukemia lawyer can assist clients to determine if they qualify for the compensation they deserve through this process. A railroad worker exposed to benzene and asbestos could be qualified for compensation. However, he or she must be diagnosed with the disease within three years after being exposed to these harmful substances to be eligible for an FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are often confronted with serious and debilitating diseases like blood disorders, cancers and lung diseases as a result of their exposure to carcinogenic substances in rail yards. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with leukemia or a similar disease due to exposure to chemicals at work, you could be entitled to financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A railroad worker cancer suit can help you obtain compensation for medical bills and other losses. These cases can also help you hold your employer accountable for its carelessness in not securing workers from the dangers of these chemicals.
The FELA provides victims of occupational injuries the right to seek the financial compensation they deserve in court through juries. union pacific railroad lawsuit is a different procedure that provides benefits through an administrative process.
Workers who have been exposed to toxic chemicals such as benzene or asbestos, are at a higher chance of developing cancer and blood disorders, as well as other diseases. People who worked in close contact with dangerous substances such as locomotive engineers and conductors are at risk. One former railroad worker, for instance was awarded a $7.5 million settlement in September after he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia as a result of working with asbestos and other carcinogenic substances.