Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma
Rail workers are often exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes like asbestos and silica. These exposures can cause respiratory illnesses like asthma.
Fortunately, victims can seek compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). A reputable railroad lawsuit asthma lawyer will aid. Here are some examples of settlements that have resulted in successful verdicts.
Diesel Exhaust
Since trains operate on diesel fuels, railroad workers are constantly exposed to diesel fumes. These fumes are a mixture of soot particles, as well as toxic chemicals. The exposure to these fumes can contribute to asthma and other lung illnesses.
Leukemia lawsuit have known about the dangers of exposure to diesel exhaust for years. However many companies have not taken sufficient steps to safeguard their employees. Some railroad workers have developed respiratory diseases that are debilitating.
In conjunction with other workplace hazards, such as asbestos, silica and creosote exposure to diesel fumes can lead to the development of life-changing pulmonary illnesses, such as asthma. These ailments can prevent railroad workers from returning to their jobs and can affect the quality of their lives.
In one instance that our lawyers were able to defend, they successfully the FELA claim brought by a former locomotive engineer who claimed to have developed leukemia and other cancers as a result of his exposure to diesel fumes as well as other toxic chemicals while working on railway equipment. The court granted summary judgment for the defendant railroads. cancer lawsuit ruled that Plaintiff had not conducted a reasonable search for information regarding his illness at the time the disease was discovered, and that his claims are time-barred.
Dust
Rail workers are exposed to different dusts, like silica from ballast and coal dust. They could also be exposed to petroleum or chemical fuels. These harmful substances can cause harm to one's health and can cause respiratory ailments, such as asthma.
cancer lawsuits has assisted a number of people get compensation for their exposure. FELA allows workers with certain diseases to hold employers accountable for not protecting them from dangerous workplaces.
A Montana jury, for instance gave $3.7 Million to an engineer from the past who was suffering from pulmonary fibroidsis. This is a lung condition that progresses due to scarring in lung tissue. In his FELA claim, it was claimed that inhaling diesel fumes hundreds, or perhaps thousands of times, contributed to the development and the progression of his lung condition. Jurors were not persuaded by the defense experts' testimony that the engineer's lung disease must have an unrelated cause.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club also successfully filed a lawsuit against BNSF Railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train runs through the Gorge, it pollutes sensitive habitats for wildlife and plants, tributary streams, wetlands, and the Columbia River with coal dust and other debris. BNSF has announced that it will stop bringing coal through the Gorge as well as other places.
Asbestos
Railroad workers have been exposed to dangerous chemicals. Other toxic substances remain in the workplace even although asbestos has been removed. Chemical solvents have been proven to cause asthma and respiratory ailments. This is the reason railroad workers could file lawsuits to recover damages from the companies that employed them.
In one instance in one case, a 61-year old locomotive engineer received $2.6 million following a jury verdict that found that his work at the railroad made him suffer from diesel asthma. The illness led him to be on medical leave and lost wages. He also had to undergo two back surgeries, including an lumbar spinal fusion with multiple levels that resulted in significant medical expenses.
He stated that while working on various railways he was continuously exposed to diesel exhaust fumes strong odors, silica dust particles, chemicals and spray paints as well as black smoke, welding, motor grease, and engine oil. The chest tightened, the throat hurt and he experienced difficulties swallowing. He suffered from bronchitis and allergies, too.
The railroads successfully argued that releases the plaintiff signed in 1996 should block his new suit since he was aware of the danger at the time he was exposed asbestos. Hughes Law Offices also argued that the time limit for filing a lawsuit should be extended until the plaintiff was diagnosed with cancer to give him the chance to seek medical attention and determine if his condition was a result of his work.
Poor Ventilation
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer mesothelioma, lung diseases or any other form of cancers that could be related to working in the railroad industry, you could be able to file an action under FELA against the corporation that employed you. FELA lawsuits may provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and suffering and pain. Contact an Houston FELA lawyer today to discuss your case.
A jury awarded an ex- Conrail engineer $2.6 million in his occupational health trial after determining that the retiree's asthma-related illness was the result of his frequent exposure to diesel exhaust fumes when crewing locomotives at rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers claimed that the railroad was unable to protect against this kind of exposure because they did not install proper ventilation in the cabs of locomotives.
In addition to the diesel fumes railroad workers breathe, they also frequently come in contact with toxic chemicals and other harmful substances during their work. In construction and maintenance materials asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens are discovered. These toxic substances can cause many kinds of cancers, as well as serious health issues like asthma.
A Houston FELA attorney can help you bring an employer to account for their negligence if you suffer from asthma resulting from your railway work, or someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer that could be connected to rail industry. Contacting an experienced attorney immediately will help you maximize your chances of obtaining the financial compensation you're entitled to for the loss and suffering.