FELA and Railroad Settlement for AsthmaInhaling diesel fumes while on the job can lead to pulmonary diseases, like asthma. An experienced FELA lawyer can help you file an occupational disease claim against your railroad company.Two former railroad employees say they lost their jobs due to chronic breathing disorders. Their lawsuits claim that their time as locomotive engineers exposed them to toxins such as gasoline and diesel exhausts, silica particles, chemical compounds and paint sprays.FELARailroad employees must, however, file claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act. FELA provides guidelines for recovering that are similar to those for workers' compensation.Railroad companies are responsible for occupational diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Contrary to claims for workers' compensation, FELA suits are fault-based. railroad injury settlement amounts means that the railroad worker has to prove that the employer was negligent in some way. This high burden of evidence makes FELA lawsuits a contentious matter. Railroad companies, therefore, try to minimize their liabilities whenever they can.FELA covers all railway employees employed by common carriers in interstate commerce, which includes locomotive engineers, conductors yardmasters, signal maintainers, yardmasters trackmen/maintenance and maintenance of way, bridge and building workers, welders and electricians. There are exceptions for localized independent railroads which do not utilize their tracks to transport goods over long distances.A skilled FELA attorney is crucial to help railroad workers successfully sue the company that caused their injuries. The lawyers at Benzene Lawyers have extensive experience in this field of law and understand the complicated issues involved. To get a free consultation, call 1-800-BENZENE today.Work-related DiseasesAn individual can get sick due to exposure to toxic substances while at work. These diseases are known as occupational illnesses or toxic lung disorders. These conditions are often difficult to recognize because the signs of many lung problems do not appear until long after a person has begun their job. This is due to the long latency periods associated with many contaminants.Medical research must prove that the illness is the result of exposures to work. This is why it is vital to seek legal assistance as soon as possible if you suspect that you've been diagnosed with a disease or illness because of your railroad job.Some workplace-related diseases include benzene lung cancer, fibrosis, chronic obstructive respiratory disorder (COPD) hypersensitivity pneumonitis, as well as chronic obstructive airway disease. Inhalation of vapors and gases, fumes and dusts as well smoke from cigarettes can trigger these diseases. The symptoms of these diseases differ according to the type of toxin being used and the size of particle that is inhaled.Workers may also suffer from muscles-related injuries due to the physical nature of their jobs. These injuries are referred to as repetitive stress injuries and they can cause pain or weakness in various parts. Rail workers, for example are frequently affected by lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. This injury leads to the tears of the tendons within the upper arms.Diesel ExhaustDiesel fuel is used in nearly all locomotives, meaning that railroad workers are constantly exposed to diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust can contain a variety of contaminants, including particulate material, volatile organic compounds, and toxic metals. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust may lead a variety medical issues that include asthma.Smokers are more prone to lung diseases such as COPD due to the toxins found in diesel exhaust. Research on diesel exhaust has also found that the pollutant is an important risk factor for the development of cancer, including leukemia as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Over the years, locomotives have been running continuously in train yards, release a lot of diesel exhaust into the communities that surround railroads. This diesel exhaust is especially dangerous to the largely minority and working-class neighborhoods the area where the rail yards are situated.The benzene found in diesel exhaust and fuel is linked to leukemia. Railroads should limit the use of these chemicals and ensure that their employees are educated on safety procedures. For instance local congressman has recently urged the commuter rail railroad Metrolink to conduct a risk assessment of the exhaust from its diesel engine that is released into predominantly working-class neighborhoods surrounding its maintenance yard in Los Angeles, CA.AsthmaRailroad workers who are currently or former may be able to sue their employer in the event that long-term exposure causes pulmonary conditions such as asthma. A successful FELA case could allow for compensation for the financial, emotional and physical effects of a lung disorder.Asthma symptoms include wheezing and coughing. railroad injury settlement amounts can also cause chest tightness as well as shortness of breath. railroad injury settlement amounts can also make everyday activities difficult. In more severe cases, asthma may cause a person to be hospitalized for respiratory failure.Railroad companies have a responsibility to keep their employees safe and healthy. This means that they must ensure that the locomotive cabs are adequately ventilated, with the proper safety equipment, and limiting the exposure of workers to harmful fumes. Failure to do this can cause occupational health issues such as asthma, pulmonary ailments and other respiratory diseases.If you have a mild, moderate or severe asthma problem caused by your time working on the railroad, discuss your situation with an experienced New York railroad settlement asthma lawyer. Your lawyer will evaluate your situation and determine whether you should file a FELA lawsuit against your employer is in your best interest. A successful FELA lawsuit could provide financial compensation for the negative impact that your condition has caused to your career and daily life.