FELA and Railroad Settlement for AsthmaAsthma and pulmonary diseases can be caused by diesel fumes that are emitted from the workplace. A FELA lawyer with experience can assist you in filing an occupational disease claim against your railroad company.Two former railroad workers claim to have lost their livelihoods because of debilitating respiratory conditions. Their lawsuits claim that their experiences as locomotive engineers exposed them to toxins, including gasoline and diesel exhausts, silica particles, chemical compounds and paint sprays.FELAWhile most injured workers can file a claim for compensation under standard state worker legislation railroad employees must seek relief through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA provides guidelines for recovering that are similar to those for workers' compensation.Railroad companies are accountable when they expose their employees to harmful workplace exposures and then trigger occupational diseases such as mesothelioma, fibrosis lung cancer, scleroderma and other respiratory ailments. In contrast to workers' compensation cases, FELA lawsuits are fault-based that is, the railroad worker must prove the negligence of the employer was at least some role in causing the injury and damages. colon cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement are tense due to the high burden of the burden of. Thus, railroad companies strive to reduce their liability whenever possible.FELA covers all railway employees employed by common carriers in interstate commerce. This includes locomotive engineers, conductors/yardmasters, signal keepers, trackmen/maintenance-of-way bridge and building workers electricians, welders and welders. The exception is made for localized independent railroads who do not use their tracks to transport goods over long distances.A knowledgeable FELA attorney is essential for helping a railroad worker pursue a successful lawsuit against the company that caused their injuries. The lawyers at Benzene Lawyers have extensive experience in this area of law and are aware of the complicated issues that arise. To get a free consultation, call 1-800-BENZENE today.Occupational DiseasesA person can develop a disease due to exposure to toxic substances while at work. These conditions are referred to as occupational diseases or toxic lung conditions. The occupational diseases can be difficult to recognize, as the symptoms of lung issues often do not show up until the time the person starts working. This is due to the lengthy delay in the onset of many contaminants.Medical research must demonstrate that the illness is a result of work-related exposures. This is why it is important to seek legal counsel whenever you suspect you have developed a disease or illness because of your railroad job.Some workplace-related illnesses are benzene lung cancer, fibrosis chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and chronic obstructive airway diseases. These illnesses are caused by inhalation of vapors, gases, dusts fumes, and cigarettes smoke. The symptoms of these diseases can vary depending on the type of toxin as well as the size of the particles inhaled.Workers can also suffer from muscular injuries due to the physical demands of their jobs. These kinds of injuries are known as repetitive stress injuries. They could cause weakness and pain across different areas of the body. For instance, railway workers frequently suffer from lateral epidondylitis (tennis elbow), an injury that causes the tearing of tendons that are located in the upper arm.Diesel ExhaustThe majority of locomotives utilize diesel fuel, which means that railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on an everyday basis. Diesel exhaust contains many pollutants, including particulate matter as well as volatile organic compounds and toxic metals. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust may cause a variety of medical problems which include asthma.Smokers are more susceptible to lung diseases like COPD because of the toxins in diesel exhaust. Studies on diesel exhaust have also revealed that the pollution is an important risk factor for the development of cancer, specifically leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.For a long time locomotives be running continuously at train yards, dumping a great deal of diesel exhaust into communities near the railroad. Diesel exhaust is especially hazardous for the majority working-class and minorities neighborhoods that are near these railway yards.The benzene that is found in diesel fuel and exhaust is associated with leukemia. Railroads must limit the use of these chemicals and ensure that their employees are properly educated on safety procedures. A congressman from the area recently asked Metrolink, a commuter rail railway in Los Angeles, CA, to conduct a risk analysis of the diesel exhaust that is released into the mainly working-class neighborhoods in the vicinity of its maintenance yard.AsthmaIf exposure to diesel exhaust causes pulmonary disorders such as asthma, current and former railroad workers could have grounds to bring an action against their employer. A successful FELA claim could grant compensation for the physical, financial and emotional consequences of a work-related pulmonary condition.Asthma symptoms include coughing and wheezing. They can also cause chest tightness as well as shortness of breath. It can make everyday activities difficult. In more severe cases, asthma can cause someone to be hospitalized for respiratory failure.It is the obligation of railroad companies to ensure that their workers are safe and healthy. This includes ensuring adequate ventilation in locomotive cabs as well as ensuring the use proper safety gear and minimizing exposure of workers to harmful fumes. If this is not done, it can cause occupational illnesses such as asthma and lung problems, which can include other respiratory ailments.If you have a mild, moderate or severe asthma condition that is the result of your time working on the railroad, you should discuss your case with an experienced New York railroad settlement asthma lawyer. Your lawyer will evaluate your situation and determine if a FELA lawsuit against your employer is in your best interests. A successful FELA claim can result in an amount of money to compensate for the negative effect of your health condition on your work and life.