FELA and Railroad Settlement for AsthmaAsthma and pulmonary diseases can be caused by diesel fumes in the workplace. An experienced FELA lawyer can assist you to make a claim for occupational diseases against your railroad employer.Two former railroad workers claim to lost their jobs because of debilitating respiratory conditions. The lawsuits allege that the years spent as locomotive engineers exposed them to toxins like gasoline and diesel exhaust silica dust particles paint sprays, chemical compounds and.FELARailroad employees have to submit a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act. FELA provides guidelines for recovering that are similar to those for workers' compensation.Railroad companies are accountable for occupational illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Contrary to cases involving workers' compensation, FELA lawsuits are fault-based which means that the railroad worker must prove the negligence of the employer was at least some role in causing the injury and resulting damages. This burden of evidence creates FELA lawsuits a contentious matter. Railroad companies thus strive to minimize their liability whenever they can.FELA covers all railway workers employed by common carriers in interstate commerce. This includes conductors/yardmasters, locomotive engineers, signal keepers, trackmen/maintenance-of-way bridge and building construction employees electricians, welders, as well as welders. There are exceptions for localized independent railroads which do not use their tracks to transport goods over long distances.A skilled FELA attorney is vital to help railroad workers to file a successful lawsuit against the company that caused their injuries. The lawyers at Benzene Lawyers have extensive experience in this area of law and are aware of the complicated issues that arise. Call 1-800-BENZENE today for a complimentary consultation.Work-related DiseasesA person could get sick due to exposure to toxic substances at work. These conditions are referred to as occupational diseases or toxic lung disorders. Occupational diseases can be difficult to detect, since the symptoms of lung issues often do not show up until a long time after a person begins working. This is due to the lengthy intervals of latency that are associated with a lot of toxins.Medical research must prove that the illness is the result of exposures to work. It is crucial to seek legal advice immediately if you suspect that you have been diagnosed with a condition or disease as a result of your railroad work.The most common workplace-related diseases are benzene leukemia, fibrosis of the lung, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Inhaling gases and vapors dusts and fumes as well smoking cigarettes can cause these illnesses. The symptoms of these diseases differ depending on the type of toxin used and the size of the particle that is inhaled.Workers may also experience muscular injuries due to the physical nature of their work. These kinds of injuries are referred to as repetitive stress injuries and can cause weakness and pain throughout the body. For instance, workers on rails often suffer from lateral ectodondylitis (tennis elbow), an injury that causes the tearing of tendons in the upper arm.Diesel ExhaustDiesel fuel is utilized by nearly all locomotives, meaning that railroad workers are constantly exposed to diesel fumes. Since diesel exhaust contains many contaminants, including particulate matter volatile organic compounds, and toxic metals, exposure for a long time can cause a range of medical conditions, including asthma.The toxins that are present in diesel exhaust can be even more harmful to those who smoke, which is the reason smokers are more at risk of lung-related diseases such as COPD. The exhaust pollution caused by diesel is also a risk factor for the growth of cancer, specifically leukemia and non Hodgkin lymphoma.For decades, locomotives would operate continuously at train yards, dispersing lots of diesel exhaust into communities near the railroad. Diesel exhaust poses a particular risk for the majority of working class and minorities neighborhoods that are near these railroad yards.The benzene present in diesel exhaust and fuel is linked to leukemia. Railroads need to limit the use of these chemicals and ensure that their employees are properly informed about safety protocols. A congressman from the local area recently asked Metrolink which is a commuter railroad railroad in Los Angeles, CA, to conduct a risk study of the diesel exhaust released into the predominantly working-class neighborhoods near its maintenance yard.AsthmaIf exposure to diesel exhaust leads to pulmonary disorders such as asthma or bronchitis, former and current railroad employees may be able to file a claim against their employer. A successful FELA claim could lead to compensation for the financial, emotional and physical consequences of a work related pulmonary disorder.Asthma symptoms include coughing and wheezing. They can also cause chest tightness and shortness of breath. rail workers settlement can also make everyday activities difficult. In more severe cases of asthma it is possible to be hospitalized due to respiratory failure.Railroad companies have a duty to keep their employees safe and healthy. This includes ensuring that locomotive cabs are properly ventilated, with the proper safety gear, and minimizing exposure to harmful fumes. If this is not done, it could cause occupational diseases such as asthma, pulmonary issues and other respiratory ailments.If you suffer from moderate, mild or severe asthma which you believe is caused by your work on the railroad then you should consult an expert New York railroad settlement attorney. Your lawyer can assess the situation and determine if filing a FELA suit against your employer is your best option. A successful FELA claim could provide an amount of money to compensate for the negative effects of your condition on your career and life.