FELA and Railroad LawsuitsPeople who are exposed to toxic chemicals like coal fumes, diesel exhaust or asbestos may suffer from serious illnesses such as cancer. A successful FELA lawsuit can award damages to cover medical costs, loss of income and pain and suffering.Union Pacific recently awarded $7.5 Million to one of its railroad workers who was diagnosed with Leukemia. This is just one example of how the justice system defends for the victims.BenzeneRailroad workers are frequently exposed to hazardous substances and chemical solvents like benzene. Benzene, a liquid that is highly evaporative, can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It is linked to various medical conditions, including cancer, blood-related cancers such as Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow diseases. It is also a cancer-causing agent and an ingredient in coal tar creosote, a substance used to shield railroad ties from sunlight, heat rain, and snow.A former rail worker claimed that his exposure to benzene working with coal-tar creosote create railroad ties, led to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This progressed to Acute Myeloid leukemia. A jury gave him $7.5 million in September.Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases because of their exposure to radioactive substances benzene asbestos and other harmful chemicals, are entitled to claim compensation under FELA. Depending on the kind of cancer or illness the statute of limitations may vary, so it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can.A railroad attorney from Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer free consultations and are well-versed with FELA and railroad workplaces as well as the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad employees encounter every day.AsbestosOur attorneys have represented railroad workers who developed lung cancer or other health conditions due to asbestos exposure. They were often employed in areas like repair shops, engine rooms and yards or on rail cars with derailments or on track equipment that was asbestos insulation that was deteriorating. This type of asbestos is particularly hazardous because, when it deteriorates tiny fibers are released into air. lung cancer lawsuit are inhaled by railroad workers and could cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and the pleural plaque.In addition to asbestos railroad workers are at high risk for developing lung diseases from diesel exhaust as well as exposure to other workplace toxics such as welding fumes, solvents and silica sand. These fumes can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. These injuries are often identified years after a worker's initial exposure and can cause a variety of serious and debilitating medical issues.Recent cases against Conrail highlights the dangers associated with this type work. lung cancer lawsuit upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to the railroad company in respect of an ex-railway worker who died of mesothelioma. The jury awarded damages for his suffering and pain, loss of companionship, future medical costs and other losses. The case underscores the importance of working with an experienced attorney who can quickly determine whether an FELA claim is legitimate.Radioactive SubstancesRailroad workers 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 used by railroads to clean tracks and other rail yards. It is often difficult to detect them unless the railroad company tests for Gamma and Alpha radiation. If a railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer or another condition that was caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, they may file a FELA claim and receive compensation from their former employer.Railroad workers are more prone than others to develop cancer. This is due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to chemicals that can cause lung cancer, including asbestos dust, Sand dust (silica), diesel fumes, welding fumes, and creosote.A railroad lawyer should be consulted as quickly as possible by railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer due to exposure on the job. They can assist them in determining whether they have a claim against their former employers and make the appropriate lawsuits under FELA. Lymphoma lawsuit can include compensation for medical expenses income loss, and discomfort and pain. In addition, they can compensate for the loss of a loved one in the event of wrongful death. A knowledgeable railroad attorney can assist victims receive the full amount of damages they are entitled to under FELA.FELARailroad workers like engineers, conductors and train crew members often work in hazardous environments that can harm lungs without even realizing it. Former railroad workers who developed lung cancer or another condition that could have been due to their work may file for compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).Unlike workers' compensation, FELA allows railroad employees who are injured to sue. This includes future and past emotional and medical expenses. A lawyer who is familiar with rules under FELA could provide you with options to file.To win a FELA lawsuit, you'll be required to prove that your employer acted in a negligent manner. It could be a matter of breaking a rule or law or not achieving an acceptable standard of care, or any other. A FELA lawyer can look over your case and determine if railroad negligence contributed to your illness.Many different lung diseases and illnesses can be attributed to exposures from railroads. If you were exposed during your career as a railroad worker to diesel exhaust or other toxic substances like asbestos, creosote, or creosote, a mesothelioma lawyer could help you file an application for compensation under the FELA. Hughes Law Offices has handled FELA cases in the past, and have resulted in various settlements and verdicts.