Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogens with a high risk of cancer. Exposure to diesel fuel creosote, benzene and other toxic substances has contributed to cancer and other chronic illnesses like lung cancer, leukemia, mesothelioma, bladder cancer and kidney cancer.
If you or someone you love has developed an illness of serious severity that was related to your involvement with railroads, contact an experienced railroad cancer lawyer to schedule a consultation for no cost.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Every day railroad workers are exposed to carcinogens. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Many lawsuits involving cancer in railroads have been filed against a variety of railroad companies. These lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act, that was passed in 1908.
People who suffer from cancer as a result of exposure to toxins may be eligible for compensation. A railroad injury lawyer will review the claim of a victim and determine if an FELA lawsuit can be filed against the business that caused the illness.
A railroad worker may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages related to their illness. An attorney can help a client file a lawsuit within the three-year period of limitations set by FELA.
James Brown, the plaintiff claims that the leukemia he contracted was the result exposed to chemicals without protection such as creosote and degreasing solvents. He worked on tanks brake shoes, cabooses and tank cars. He claims to have stood on railroad ties that smelled of creosote and saw signs on train vehicles with skulls and crossbones informing the passengers that the contents contained harmful substances. He claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes during working on engines for locomotives or in tunnels when he stopped. The toxins made breathing difficult and caused headaches.
Failure to Provide an appropriate Work Environment
Despite the fact that work on railroads has always been a high risk, recent studies have shown that many of the occupational hazards that are common in railroads are directly connected to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires that railroad companies provide their employees with adequate protection and direction to ensure their safety. If they fail to provide this they could be held accountable for serious injuries that could can cause death and financial ruin.
You should seek advice from a knowledgeable lawyer in the event that you were a railroad worker or if you know a loved-one who was. An attorney can help you determine the extent to which your exposure to carcinogens on the job is enough for you to bring a lawsuit. There is a 3 year statute of limitations, so it is important to contact an attorney early as you can.
Railroad workers are exposed to toxic chemicals like creosote and diesel fumes and exhaust. Most often, these toxic fumes can lead to cancer in a variety of forms, including mesothelioma and various lung diseases. It is important that you get in touch with a railroad accident lawyer immediately if you've been diagnosed with one of these ailments.
The plaintiff worked for the ICRC as a mechanic/carman between September 1975 until December 2015. He claims that his time at the ICRC caused him to develop renal (and then adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was continually exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride. This is utilized by railroads to cleanse their tracks and braking systems.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit can be filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which allows railroad employees to file complaints directly against their employers. To be qualified for damages, the worker must show that the railroad company was negligent in causing his injury or illness.
Plaintiff Greger was exposed while working on the railroad, to a number hazardous chemicals and environmental conditions. These included carbon tetrachloride, which is used to clean rail and braking systems. The company failed to inform him of the dangers of this chemical which has been proven to cause cancer.
He also claims to have walked on rail ties that were coated in creosote. This substance was recognized as harmful. He also breathed diesel fumes from the cabs of locomotives, and testified that the fumes "gagged him," made breathing difficult and caused headaches. He was also exposed to diesel exhaust while he was in the tunnels of running locomotives and claims that it caused him to feel sick.
He asserts that when he questioned doctors about the connection between his work in the railway industry kidney cancer, his doctors, they refused to provide any details. He claims that this was negligence and that the railway should be aware of the connection between these exposures to kidney cancer. He seeks compensation for his medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings and emotional stress.
Damages
The damages in a railroad lawsuit kidney cancer claim are a result of a combination of medical bills along with lost wages and other expenses. The amount of damages could vary based on the specific case. An experienced attorney will work to ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses.
In one example, a 51-year-old man was diagnosed with myelodysplastic disease (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He was an employee of maintenance of way for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 until 2008 as a machinist. During that time, he endured years of exposure to benzene-rich chemicals such as creosote, degreasing solvents.
railroad lawsuits have a legal responsibility to adhere to government workplace safety regulations, which include safeguarding workers from exposure to carcinogens that are well-known. If a railroad company fails to follow these rules and suffers the consequences, it can be devastating for the victims and their families.
The lawyers at Hughes Law Offices have represented thousands of injured clients, including a number of railroad workers who were exposed to toxic fumes. Contact us today for a free consultation from an experienced railroad injury attorney. Andrew Hughes, the founder of the firm has been defending railroads in FELA claims for the bulk of his legal career. He is familiar with the laws and conditions that can be caused by on-the-job exposure.