A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract certain illnesses, such as leukemia, often pursue a lawsuit against the employer. This is because the Federal Employers Liability Act allows employees to seek compensation for their disease.
A benzene exposure case cannot help reverse the damage caused by dangerous cancer or bring back a loved one, but it can help offset medical costs associated with treatment.
Benzene
Benzene, a non-colorless liquid that is flammable, poses a threat to human skin when it comes in contact with. It is also a carcinogen and has been linked to specific types of cancers, like leukemia.
Studies have shown that workers who are exposed to low levels of benzene at work are at a 40% increased risk of developing leukemia. The risks are higher for those who have been exposed to benzene over an extended period of time. Workers in the oil refinery, mechanics, printers and gas pumpers are at risk from exposure.
OSHA prohibits exposure to benzene while working, but some railroad companies do not adhere to the guidelines. Railroad workers can be affected by serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA attorney can help these workers seek compensation for their loss under the law.
Leukemia can lead to serious complications, including bone marrow failure or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA attorney can help the victim recover damages which include medical expenses, lost wages and emotional trauma. During the litigation process, the victim may need to appear in depositions to answer questions from attorneys opposing them under an oath. In certain cases, a jury trial may be required.
Creosote
Creosote could be a problem for railroad workers who clean rail ties paint trains, clean them or handle other materials involved in the maintenance of rights-of-way. Creosote is linked to skin cancer and other medical issues. People have also complained of headaches, stomach pain and breathing difficulties. Creosote is not soluble in water, so it can be carried on shoes and clothing of other family members who come in contact with the exposed individual.
Other toxic chemicals that are found on trains include benzene that is carcinogen, as well asbestos and other cancer-causing substances. A plaintiff might be able to recover damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) when it is proven that he or her was injured due to exposure to these chemicals while working on railways.
A seasoned FELA attorney could help demonstrate that an employee's injuries were caused by on-the-job exposure to hazardous chemicals. This could mean 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 did anything wrong to its employees.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with a serious illness that is linked to their jobs should consult with an attorney immediately. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP has decades of experience in representing clients in these cases. Call us to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Asbestos
Asbestos was often a toxic substance that railroad workers were exposed to while on their job. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and other diseases. Asbestos fibers can lodge within the lungs, which can trigger a range of respiratory problems for years or even decades after exposure. Asbestos-related sufferers could also be at a greater risk of developing certain types of leukemia.
Another substance that can cause blood cancers in railroad workers is benzene. Benzene was widely used by railroad workers to clean equipment and parts. Workers dunked rags in benzene-containing solvents to clean engines and other equipment. It is also found in diesel fuel and is a byproduct of diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been diagnosed with blood cancer or other illness as a result of working on a railroad should consult a specialized railroad attorney. A FELA lawyer who is qualified can help clients receive the compensation they deserve.
FELA, a federal law which allows railroad workers who have been injured to claim compensation. A railroad leukemia attorney can help clients determine whether they are entitled to compensation through this process. Railroad workers who are exposed to chemicals such as benzene or asbestos could be eligible to receive compensation. However, he or she must be diagnosed with the disease within three years of exposure to these toxic substances to be eligible for an FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are often confronted with serious and debilitating diseases such as cancers, blood disorders and lung disease because of their exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in rail yards. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with leukemia or any other serious disease due to exposure to chemicals at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A lawsuit against a railroad worker with cancer can help you get the compensation you require to cover your medical expenses and other losses. These cases can also assist you in holding your employer accountable for their negligent failure to protect workers from the dangers of these chemicals.
The FELA provides victims of occupational injuries the right seek financial compensation through an appeal to the court. Workers compensation is a distinct process that offers benefits through an administrative process.
Railroad workers who were exposed to harmful chemicals like creosote, benzene and asbestos are at a greater risk risk of developing cancers, blood disorders, and other illnesses. Workers who came into contact with dangerous substances such as conductors and locomotive engineers are at risk. union pacific railroad lawsuit was awarded $7.5 million last September for developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia after years of exposure to asbestos and other carcinogenic materials.