Railroad Lawsuits and AsthmaRail workers are frequently exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals like asbestos and silica. These exposures can cause respiratory diseases like asthma.Fortunately, victims could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. An asthma attorney for railroad lawsuits can help. Here are some examples of settlements that have been successful and verdicts.Diesel ExhaustSince trains run on diesel fuels railroad employees are exposed all day to diesel fumes. These fumes are composed of soot particles, as well as toxic chemicals. Exposure to these fumes may cause asthma and other lung diseases.Railroads have been aware of the dangers of exposure to diesel exhaust for decades. However the majority of companies have not taken the necessary steps to protect their employees. Certain railroad workers have developed respiratory ailments that can be crippling.When combined with other workplace hazards, like asbestos, silica, and creosote exposure to diesel fumes could result in the development of life-threatening pulmonary illnesses, such as asthma. These symptoms could prevent railroad workers from returning to work, and may even decrease their overall health.In one instance, our lawyers successfully secured an FELA lawsuit filed by an engineer for locomotives who claimed he was diagnosed with leukemia, and other cancers due to exposure to toxic chemicals and diesel fumes while working on railroad equipment. The court granted summary judgment in favor of the railroads in question, deciding that Plaintiff did not conduct an adequately thorough research into the details of his condition at the time of diagnosis, and that his claims were barred by time.DustRail workers are exposed to different dusts, like silica from ballasts and coal dust. They are also exposed to petroleum or chemical fuels. These toxic substances can be harmful to an individual's health and contribute to respiratory illnesses, like asthma.Our FELA lawyer has helped a number of people seek compensation for exposure to these substances. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with certain illnesses to claim their employers are accountable for failing to safeguard workers from hazardous work environments.A Montana jury, for example it awarded $3.7 Million to a former engineer of the railroad who was suffering from pulmonary fibroidsis, a progressive lung condition caused by scarring in lung tissue. His FELA claim claimed that breathing diesel exhaust on hundreds, if not thousands, of occasions led to the development of his lung disease. Jurors were not persuaded by the defense experts' testimony that the locomotive engineer's lung disease could have some other cause.Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club also successfully sued BNSF Railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train crosses the Gorge it pollutes sensitive habitats for wildlife and plants, such as wetlands, tributary rivers and the Columbia River. As a result of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge as well as other places.AsbestosRail workers were exposed to dangerous chemical substances for a long time. Other toxic substances remain in the workplace even when asbestos has been removed. Chemical solvents, for example are known to cause asthma and respiratory diseases. Railroad workers are able to sue their employers to seek compensation.In one case the jury ruled that a locomotive engineer aged 61 was suffering from asthma caused by diesel due to his work on railroads. The condition caused him to be on medical leave and lost wages. He also underwent two back surgeries, including the multilevel lumbar spine fuse. All of this added up to significant medical expenses.He said he was constantly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes as well as strong odors. He also said the environment was constantly exposed to silica particles, chemical compounds, spray paints and black smoke. His chest tightened, his throat hurt and he experienced difficulties swallowing. He suffered from bronchitis and allergic rhinitis, as well.The railroads successfully argued that releases that plaintiff signed in 1996 should be void for his lawsuit because he knew of the risk at the time he was exposed to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices also argued that the statute of limitations should be tolled until the plaintiff was diagnosed with cancer in order to allow him the chance to seek medical attention and determine if the illness was due to his job.Poor VentilationIf you or someone near you has been diagnosed with lung disease, mesothelioma or another type of cancer that may be connected to your job in the railroad industry you might be able to bring an FELA lawsuit against the company that employed you. FELA lawsuits may award compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, suffering and pain and other damages. Contact a Houston FELA lawyer today to discuss your case.A jury gave $2.6 million to a former Conrail engineer in the case of occupational diseases after determining the source of his chronic asthma. railroad controls limited lawsuit determined that his exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel engines was almost continuous while working with locomotives in rail yards. The plaintiffs' lawyers argued that railroads failed to protect themselves from exposure by not installing adequate ventilation in the cabs of locomotives.In addition to the diesel fumes that railroad workers breathe, they also frequently come into contact toxic chemicals and other harmful substances during their work. Asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens are frequently found in railroad maintenance and construction materials. Sadly, these harmful materials can trigger a myriad of cancers and serious illnesses, including respiratory diseases such as asthma.If you have asthma that developed due to your job on the railroad or if you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer that could be linked to the railroad industry or a railroad, an Houston FELA lawyer can help you to hold your employer accountable for their incompetence. If you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible, you can maximize your chances of getting the financial compensation you deserve for your suffering and losses.