FELA and Railroad Settlement for AsthmaInhaling diesel fumes while on working can lead to lung diseases, including asthma. A FELA lawyer with experience can help you file a claim for occupational disease against your railroad company.Two former railroad workers claim to lost their jobs because of debilitating respiratory conditions. Their lawsuits claim that the time they spent working as locomotive engineers exposed them like gasoline and diesel exhaust silica dust particles, paint sprays and chemical compounds.FELAAlthough most injured workers can seek compensation under standard state workers' compensation statutes railroad workers must seek relief through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA provides guidelines for recovery similar to the guidelines in the case of workers' compensation claims.Railroad companies are accountable for occupational diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. In contrast to workers' compensation claims, FELA suits are fault-based. This means that the railroad worker has to prove that the employer was negligent in a way. This high burden of evidence is what makes FELA lawsuits a contentious matter. Thus, railroad companies attempt to minimize their liability whenever possible.FELA covers all railway employees employed by common carriers engaged in interstate commerce, which includes conductors, locomotive engineers yardmasters, signal maintenanceers trackmen/maintenance of ways bridge and building workers, welders and electricians. Localized independent railroads that don't transport goods over long distances are not covered by FELA.A knowledgeable FELA lawyer is essential to assist a railroad employee pursue a successful lawsuit and hold the company accountable for their injuries. Benzene Lawyers has extensive experience in this area of law and is acquainted with the complicated issues that are involved. For a free consultation, contact us at 1-800-BENZENE.Occupational DiseasesA person may get sick due to exposure to toxic substances while at work. These diseases are also known as toxic lung disorders or occupational diseases. The occupational diseases can be difficult to detect, since the symptoms of lung problems often do not show up until some time after a person begins working. This is due to the long latency period associated with many toxic substances. railroad knee injury settlements must prove that the disease is a result of work-related exposures. This is the reason it is essential to seek legal representation as soon as you can if you suspect that you've developed a disease or illness due to your work at a railroad.Some workplace-related illnesses include benzene leukemia, fibrosis in the lung, chronic obstructive disease (COPD), and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Inhalation of gases and vapors, fumes and dusts as well smoke from cigarettes can trigger these illnesses. The symptoms of these diseases will vary based on the type of toxin used and particle size that has been inhaled.Workers can also suffer musculoskeletal injury because of the physical nature of their work. These types of injuries are known as repetitive stress injuries and can cause pain and weakness in various parts of the body. Rail workers, for instance are frequently affected by tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. This injury can cause rupture of the tendons of the upper arms.Diesel ExhaustThe majority of locomotives utilize diesel fuel which means that most railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes on an everyday basis. Diesel exhaust contains many pollutants, including particulate material, volatile organic compounds, and toxic metals. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust could cause a variety of medical problems which include asthma.The toxins that are present in diesel exhaust are more harmful to people who smoke, which is why smokers are more susceptible to the development of lung-related diseases such as COPD. Studies on diesel exhaust have also shown that the pollution is a risk factor for developing cancer, especially leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.For a long time, locomotives keep running at a constant pace in train yards, dispersing a great deal of diesel exhaust into communities near the railroad. This diesel exhaust is particularly dangerous to the largely minorities and working-class neighborhoods in the areas where these rail yards are located.The benzene content of the exhaust and diesel fuel has been associated with leukemia in certain people, and that's why railroads must be cautious to limit these chemicals on their properties and ensure their employees are trained in proper safety procedures. A local congressman recently requested Metrolink which is a commuter railroad railway in Los Angeles, CA, to conduct a risk study of the diesel exhaust released into the predominantly working-class areas around its maintenance yard.AsthmaWhen long-term exposure to diesel exhaust causes asthma-related pulmonary conditions, such as former and current railroad workers could have grounds to bring an action against their employer. A successful FELA claim may allow for compensation for the physical, financial and emotional consequences of a pulmonary illness that is a result of work.Asthma can trigger a range of symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. It can make daily activities difficult. In more severe asthma cases it is possible to be admitted to hospital due to respiratory failure.Railroad companies have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are safe and healthy. This includes providing adequate ventilation in the cabs of locomotives and ensuring the use of appropriate safety gear and limiting worker exposure to dangerous fumes. If this is not done, it could cause occupational diseases such as asthma, pulmonary issues and other respiratory diseases.If you suffer from a mild, moderate or severe case of asthma that is the result of your experience working on the railroad, you should discuss your case with an experienced New York railroad settlement asthma lawyer. Your lawyer can assess the situation and determine if a FELA suit against your employer would be your best option. A successful FELA lawsuit could result in financial compensation for the negative impact your condition has had on your career and your life.