FELA and Railroad Settlement for AsthmaInhaling diesel fumes on the job can lead to pulmonary diseases, including asthma. A seasoned FELA lawyer can assist you to file an occupational disease claim against your railroad company.Two former railroad employees claim they've lost their jobs due to chronic breathing problems. The lawsuits allege that the years spent working as locomotive engineers exposed them such as diesel and gasoline exhaust, silica dust particles, chemical compounds and paint sprays.FELAWhile the majority of injured workers can submit a claim for compensation under the standard state workers laws railroad employees have to seek relief through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA provides guidelines for recovering that are similar to the ones for workers' compensation.Railroad companies must be held accountable when they expose their employees to exposures to toxic substances in the workplace and then cause occupational diseases such as mesothelioma, fibrosis lung cancer, scleroderma and other respiratory illnesses. As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA lawsuits are fault-based and the railroad worker must prove the negligence of their employer played some role in causing the injury and damages. This heavy burden of proof is what makes FELA lawsuits a source of contention. Consequently, railroad companies try to limit their liability whenever they can.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 employees electricians, welders and welders. Some exceptions are made for localized independent railroads who do not use their tracks to transport goods over long distances.A skilled FELA attorney is vital to help a railroad worker to file a successful lawsuit against the company that caused their injuries. The lawyers at Benzene Lawyers have extensive experience in this field of law and are aware of the complex issues involved. Call 1-800-BENZENE today for a complimentary consultation.Occupational DiseasesA person may be diagnosed with a disease because of exposure to toxic substances while at work. These conditions are also known as toxic lung disorders or occupational illnesses. These conditions are often difficult to diagnose because the signs of many lung conditions do not manifest until a long time after an individual has started working at their job. This is due to the long delay in the onset of many contaminants.Medical research has to prove that the disease is the result of exposures to work. This is the reason it is essential to seek legal assistance immediately if you suspect you have been diagnosed with a disease or illness because of your railroad job.Some workplace-related diseases include benzene lung cancer, fibrosis, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), hypersensitivity pneumonitis and chronic obstructive airway diseases. Inhalation of vapors and gases, fumes and dusts as well as cigarette smoke can cause these ailments. The symptoms of these diseases will vary based on the type of toxin as well as the size of the particles inhaled.Workers can also suffer injuries to their muscles due to the physical nature their work. These injuries are referred to as repetitive stress injuries, and can cause pain or weakness in various parts of the body. For instance, workers on rails frequently suffer from lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), an injury that results in the tear of tendons in the upper arm.Diesel ExhaustThe majority of locomotives utilize diesel fuel which means that most railroad workers are exposed to diesel exhaust on a daily basis. Since diesel exhaust contains a variety of pollutants including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and toxic metals, long-term exposure can cause a range of health issues, including asthma.Smokers are more susceptible to lung diseases such as COPD because of the toxins present in diesel exhaust. Studies on diesel exhaust have also revealed that the pollution is a risk factor for developing cancer, particularly leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.Over the years locomotives have run continuously in train yards, release a lot of diesel exhaust into the communities surrounding railroads. Diesel exhaust poses a particular risk for the majority of working-class and minorities communities that are close to these railway yards.The benzene that is found in diesel fuel and exhaust is associated with leukemia. Railroads should limit their use of these chemicals and ensure that their employees are properly trained in safety procedures. For example a congressman from the local area has recently urged commuter rail railroad Metrolink to conduct an assessment of the risks associated with exhaust from its diesel engine that is released into the primarily working-class neighborhoods that surround its maintenance yard in Los Angeles, CA. Pancreatic cancer settlement and current railroad employees could be able to claim against their employer if long-term exposure leads to pulmonary disorders such as asthma. A successful FELA claim could lead to compensation for the financial, emotional and physical repercussions of a pulmonary condition.Asthma can cause a variety of symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing or tightness in the chest and breathlessness. It can also make your daily activities difficult. In more serious cases, asthma could cause someone to be admitted to hospital due to respiratory failure.It is the obligation of railroad companies to ensure that their workers are healthy and safe. This means ensuring that locomotive cabs are properly ventilated, and fitted with appropriate safety gear, and limiting exposure to harmful fumes. Failure to do this can cause occupational health issues like asthma, pulmonary issues and other respiratory diseases.If you suffer from mild, moderate or severe asthma that you believe was caused by your railroad job then you should consult an experienced New York railroad settlement attorney. Your lawyer can assess your situation and help determine whether it is a FELA lawsuit against your employer is in your best interests. A successful FELA claim could provide financial recovery to compensate for the negative impact of your condition on your career and life.