Railroad Lawsuits and AsthmaRail workers are often exposed to harmful chemicals and fumes like silica and asbestos. The exposures can result in lung diseases, such as asthma.Fortunately, the victims could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A good railroad lawsuit asthma lawyer will help. Take a look at these examples of successful verdicts and settlements.Diesel ExhaustSince trains operate on diesel fuels, railroad workers are exposed all day to diesel fumes. These fumes consist of soot particles and toxic chemicals. Exposure to these fumes could cause asthma and other lung illnesses.Railroads have known about the dangers of exposure to diesel exhaust for years. However the majority of companies have not taken appropriate measures to protect their employees. In the end, a few railroad workers have developed respiratory diseases that are debilitating.Excessive exposure to diesel fumes when coupled with other workplace hazards such as asbestos, creosote and even silica can trigger life-altering lung diseases, including asthma. These symptoms can prevent railroad workers from returning to their jobs and could even affect their overall health.In one instance the attorneys of our firm successfully defended a FELA claim brought by a former locomotive engineer who claimed that he had developed leukemia and other cancers as a result of the exposure to diesel fumes as well as other toxic chemicals while working on railway equipment. The court granted summary judgment for the railroads in question, deciding that Plaintiff did not conduct an adequately thorough search for information about his condition at the time of diagnosis and that his claims were time-barred.DustRail workers are exposed to various dusts, including silica from ballast and coal dust. They are also exposed to petroleum or chemical fuels. These harmful substances can be harmful to health and can trigger respiratory diseases like asthma.Our FELA lawyer has helped a number of people seek compensation for their exposure to these substances. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with certain ailments to hold their employers accountable for not protecting workers from hazardous workplaces.A Montana jury, for instance, awarded $3.7 Million to an engineer from the past who suffered from pulmonary fibroidsis, a lung condition that progresses due to scarring in lung tissue. His FELA claim alleged that inhaling diesel exhaust on hundreds, if not thousands, of occasions contributed to the development of his lung disease. Jurors were not persuaded by the testimony of defense experts that the locomotive engineer's lung condition could have a different source.In the same way, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club successfully filed a lawsuit against BNSF railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train passes the Gorge it pollutes habitats that are sensitive for wildlife and plants, such as wetlands, tributary rivers and the Columbia River. In pulmonary fibrosis lawsuit of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge and other locations.AsbestosRail workers have been exposed to dangerous chemical substances for a long time. Other toxic substances remain in the workplace, even though asbestos has been removed. Chemical solvents, like, have been known to cause asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Railroad workers are able to sue their employers to get compensation for their losses.In one instance the jury found that a locomotive engineer aged 61 suffered from diesel asthma because of his railroad work. This illness forced him to take medical leave, which resulted in loss of earnings. He also required two back surgeries, including the multi-level lumbar spine fusion, all of which resulted in significant medical expenses.He said He was exposed to diesel exhaust fumes and strong smells. He also said his body was constantly exposed silica particles, chemical compounds, spray paints, and black smoke. His chest tense and his throat hurt. He also had trouble swallowing. He suffered from bronchitis and allergies too.The railroads successfully argued that the releases signed by the plaintiff in 1996 should bar his new suit since they knew about the risk at the time he was exposed to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices argued that the statute should be enacted until the plaintiff is diagnosed with cancer, to allow him to seek medical attention and determine if the disease is linked to his work.Poor VentilationIf you or someone near you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung disease or any other type of cancer that could be linked to your job in the field of railroads, you could be eligible to bring a FELA lawsuit against the company that employed you. FELA lawsuits could award compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and suffering and pain. Contact an Houston FELA lawyer today to discuss your case.A jury awarded a former Conrail engineer $2.6 million in the course of his occupational illness trial after determining that the retiree's asthma-related problems were caused by the constant exposure to diesel exhaust fumes while crewing locomotives at rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers argued that the railroad did not stop this kind of exposure by not installing adequate ventilation in the locomotive cabs.In addition to the diesel fumes railroad workers breathe, they also frequently come in contact with toxic chemicals and other harmful substances while doing their jobs. Asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens are frequently found in railroad maintenance and construction materials. These hazardous materials can cause a variety of kinds of cancers as well as serious health problems, such as asthma.A Houston FELA attorney can help you bring an employer to account for their negligence if you suffer from asthma as a result of your railway work, or if your loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer that may be linked to rail industry. Engaging an experienced attorney as soon as possible can help you maximize your chances of receiving the financial compensation you're entitled to for your pain and suffering.