The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Railroad Lawsuit Mds

Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma

Rail workers are frequently exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals like silica and asbestos. These exposures can cause pulmonary disorders such as asthma.

Fortunately, Leukemia lawsuit could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A good railroad lawsuit asthma lawyer can aid. Here are some examples of settlements that have resulted in successful verdicts.

Diesel Exhaust

Since trains run on diesel fuels railroad workers are exposed all day to diesel fumes. These fumes contain a mixture of tiny particles of soot, gases, and other toxic chemicals that can cause serious health issues. Exposure to these fumes may contribute to the development of asthma and other lung diseases.

Since the beginning of time railroads have been conscious of the dangers that come with diesel exhaust. However cancer lawsuit have failed to take sufficient steps to safeguard their employees. Railroad workers have been diagnosed with respiratory illnesses that can be debilitating.

When combined with other workplace hazards like asbestos, silica, and creosote exposure to diesel fumes can cause the development of life-threatening pulmonary illnesses, such as asthma. These ailments can stop railroad workers from returning to work, and can even impact their overall health.

In one instance, our lawyers successfully represented an FELA lawsuit asserted by an engineer on the locomotive who claimed that he developed leukemia and other types of cancer due to his 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 make a reasonably diligent lookup for information regarding his illness at the time of diagnosis and that his claims were not time-barred.

Dust

Rail workers are exposed to a variety of dusts, including silica from ballasts as well as coal dust. They are also exposed to chemical or petroleum fuels. These toxic substances are harmful to the health of workers and can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma.

Our FELA lawyer has helped a number of people seek compensation for their exposure to these substances. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with a specific illness to hold their employers accountable for not protecting workers from hazardous work environments.





For instance an Montana jury awarded $3.7 million to an engineer from the past who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease that is caused by scarring of the lung tissue. In his FELA claim, he claimed that inhaling diesel fumes hundreds, perhaps thousands of times contributed to the onset and development of his lung disease. The testimony of defense experts could not convince jurors that locomotive engineer's lung disease was due to a different cause.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club also successfully sued BNSF Railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train passes the Gorge it pollutes habitats that are sensitive for plants and wildlife, the wetlands, tributary rivers and the Columbia River. As a result of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge and other locations.

Asbestos

Railroad workers have been exposed to hazardous chemicals. While asbestos has been largely removed from the workplace, a variety of toxic materials still remain. Chemical solvents are known to cause asthma and respiratory illness. This is why railroad workers may file lawsuits to recover damages from the companies who employed them.

In one instance the jury determined that a 61-year-old locomotive engineer was suffering from diesel asthma due to his railroad work. The condition forced him to take medical leave, resulting in loss of earnings. He also had two back surgeries including an lumbar spine fusion that was multi-level. All of this added up to substantial medical expenses.

He said he was constantly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes as well as strong smells. He also stated that the environment was constantly exposed to silica particles chemical compounds, spray paints and black smoke. His chest tightened and his throat hurt. Leukemia lawsuit had trouble swallowing. He also suffered from allergies and chronic bronchitis.

The railroads successfully argued that the releases the plaintiff signed in 1996 should block his lawsuit because he was aware of the danger at the time he was exposed to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices argued that the statute should be enacted until the plaintiff is diagnosed with cancer to give him time to seek medical attention and determine if the condition is related to his work.

Poor Ventilation

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer or lung diseases, mesothelioma or other forms of cancers that may be connected to work in the railroad industry, then you may have the right to bring an action under FELA against the company who employed you. FELA lawsuits may provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contact a Houston FELA attorney today to discuss your case.

A jury gave $2.6 million to an ex- Conrail engineer in his occupational disease trial after determining the cause of the asthma he suffered from. The jury determined that his exposure to diesel exhaust fumes was nearly every day while working in rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers argued that the railroad was unable to stop this kind of exposure by not installing proper ventilation in the locomotive cabs.

Railroad workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and diesel fumes. In railroad maintenance and construction material, asbestos, benzene and other carcinogens can be found. These hazardous substances can cause many kinds of cancers, as well as serious health problems, such as asthma.

A Houston FELA attorney can help you bring an employer to account for their negligence when you suffer from asthma due to your railway work, or someone you love has been diagnosed with a cancer that could be connected to rail industry. If you contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you can you will increase your chances of getting the financial compensation you deserve for your suffering and losses.