Multiple myeloma lawsuit and Railroad LawsuitsPeople who are exposed to toxic chemicals such as coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos can develop serious illnesses, including cancer. A successful FELA lawsuit can award damages to compensate for medical costs, loss of income, suffering and pain.Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of its railroad workers who was diagnosed with Leukemia. This is just one instance of the justice system standing up for victims.BenzeneRailroad workers are often exposed to chemical solvents and other hazardous substances, such as benzene. Benzene is a highly evaporative liquid which can be absorbed via the skin or inhaled. It is linked to several medical conditions like cancer blood-related cancers, such as leukemia and Lymphoma, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a cancer-causing chemical and is a component of coal tar creosote which is used to protect railroad tie from sunlight, heat and rain.A former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene while working with coal-tar creosote to create railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave the man $7.5 million in September last year.If you have been diagnosed as having cancer or other chronic diseases due to daily exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos and other harmful chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. The time period for filing claims can vary depending on the type and degree of cancer or illness. It is important to seek out an experienced lawyer as soon as you can.A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer no-cost consultations and are familiar with FELA and railroad workplaces as well as the hazardous cancer-causing substances that railroad employees face every day.AsbestosOur attorneys have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer or other health conditions due to asbestos exposure. They worked in areas such as repair shops, engine rooms and yards, or on track equipment or rail cars that contained asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos can be extremely hazardous, as when it degrades, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers are inhaled by railroad workers and could cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural plaque.Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases from diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These fumes can cause damage to the kidneys, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often discovered after years of exposure, and can lead to various severe and debilitating medical conditions.Recent case against Conrail shows the dangers associated with this type work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million against Conrail for a former railway employee who passed away from mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages to cover the pain and suffering along with companionship loss, future medical expenses, and other losses. This case highlights the importance to work with an experienced attorney who can quickly evaluate whether a FELA claim is warranted.Radioactive SubstancesRailroad workers who are exposed to radioactive substances are at risk for developing certain types of cancers and other serious illnesses. These substances are typically hidden in the materials that railroads employ to clean tracks and other rail yards. It can be difficult to identify them unless the railroad's company screens for alpha and Gamma radiation. If a railroad employee develops cancer or another disease caused through exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, he can file an FELA and receive compensation from his former employer.Railroad workers are more likely than other people to develop cancer. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to toxins that could lead to lung cancers, such as asbestos, Sand dust (silica) as well as welding fumes, diesel fumes and creosote.Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer as a consequence of exposure to the workplace should consult an attorney for railroads as soon as is possible. They can help them determine whether there is a legal claim against the former employer and pursue the appropriate lawsuits, based on FELA. These claims may include compensation for medical expenses income loss, and discomfort and pain. They can also compensate for the loss of a loved one in the case of wrongful death. An experienced railroad lawyer can assist victims in obtaining the full amount of damages that they are entitled to under FELA.FELAEngineers, conductors, and train crew members work in hazardous environments that can cause damage to their lungs and not even realize it. If a former railroad employee has contracted an illness, such as lung cancer or another illness that could be connected to their job and work, they could be eligible to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees as well as the families of deceased employees to sue for damages including past and future emotional suffering and medical expenses. An attorney who is familiar with FELA regulations can explain to you the options.To win a FELA lawsuit, you'll be required to prove that your employer acted negligently in a way. Negligence could include breaking a rule or law or not achieving an acceptable standard of care, and more. A competent FELA lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if the railroad's negligence contributed to your illness.A variety of lung diseases and illnesses could be attributed to exposures to railroads. If you were exposed during your railroad career to diesel exhaust or other toxic substances like creosote, asbestos, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer could assist you in filing an application for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have resulted into a variety of verdicts and settlements.