Why You Should Focus On Improving Railroad Lawsuit Mds

Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma

Rail workers are often exposed to harmful chemicals and fumes like asbestos and silica. These exposures can cause asthma-related respiratory problems.

Fortunately, the victims could be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A railroad lawsuit asthma attorney can assist. Here are a few examples of settlements that have resulted in successful verdicts.

Diesel Exhaust

Since trains operate on diesel fuel, the majority of railroad workers are exposed to a range of diesel fumes throughout the day. These fumes contain a mixture of tiny particles of soot, gasses, and other harmful chemicals that could cause serious health issues. Exposure to these fumes could cause asthma and other lung diseases.

Since decades railroads have become aware of the dangers posed by diesel exhaust. Many companies haven't implemented adequate safeguards to protect their employees. Certain railroad workers have developed respiratory diseases that are debilitating.

The exposure to diesel fumes, when coupled with other workplace hazards like asbestos, creosote and silica can cause life-altering lung diseases, such as asthma. These conditions can prevent railroad workers from returning to work and could affect the quality of their lives.





In one instance, our lawyers successfully represented the rights of a FELA lawsuit filed by an engineer working on locomotives who claimed that he had developed leukemia and other cancers as a result of exposure to toxic diesel fumes and toxic chemicals when working on railroad equipment. The court granted summary judgment for the railroads in question, deciding that Plaintiff did not make an intelligent research into the details of his illness at the time of diagnosis, and that his claims were not time-barred.

Dust

Railroad workers are often exposed to different kinds of dust, including silica from ballast, coal dust, and chemical or petroleum fuels. These harmful substances can cause harm to one's health and contribute to respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

Our FELA attorney has assisted many people seek compensation for their exposure to these substances. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with certain diseases to demand accountability from their employers for failing to protect them from unsafe work environments.

A Montana jury, for instance gave $3.7 Million to a former locomotive engineer who was suffering from pulmonary fibroidsis. It is a progressive lung condition that is caused by scarring of the lung tissue. The defendant's FELA claim claimed that the inhalation of diesel exhaust on a number of or even thousands of occasions led to the development of his lung disease. The testimony of defense experts could not convince jurors that the locomotive engineer's lung disease was caused by an unrelated cause.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club also successfully sued BNSF Railroad over its coal trains. Every time a train travels through the Gorge it pollutes habitats that are sensitive for wildlife and plants, the wetlands, tributary rivers and the Columbia River. BNSF has announced that it will stop bringing coal in the Gorge and in other locations.

Asbestos

Railroad workers have long been exposed to dangerous chemicals. Other toxic substances remain in the workplace, even when asbestos has been removed. Chemical solvents have been proven to cause asthma and respiratory ailments. Railroad employees can sue their employers to recover damages.

In one instance in one case, a 61-year old locomotive engineer was awarded $2.6 million after a jury's verdict determined that his work on the railroad made him suffer from diesel asthma. This illness forced him to take medical leave, which resulted in a loss of earnings. He also underwent two back surgeries including an lumbar spine fusion that was multi-level. All of this added up to substantial medical expenses.

He admitted that while working at various railways, he was constantly exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines, strong odors silica dust particles spray paints and chemical compounds and black smoke as well as motor grease, welding and engine oil. His chest tenseened, his throat was aching and he had trouble swallowing. He suffered from bronchitis and allergies too.

The railroads prevailed in arguing that the release of the plaintiff from 1996 should block his new suit because he was aware of the dangers being exposed to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices argued that the statute should be tolled up until the plaintiff is diagnosed with cancer, to allow 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, lung diseases, mesothelioma or any other form of cancer that could be caused by working in the railroad industry, you might be able to file a lawsuit under FELA against the corporation that employed you. FELA lawsuits may provide compensation for medical expenses as well as lost wages, suffering and pain and other damages. Contact a Houston FELA attorney today to discuss your case.

A jury gave $2.6 million to an ex- Conrail engineer in the course of his occupational disease trial after determining the root of the asthma he suffered from. The jury determined that his exposure to diesel exhaust fumes was every day while working in rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers argued that the railroad failed to stop this type of exposure by not putting in adequate ventilation in the cabs of locomotives.

class action lawsuit against railroads are exposed toxic chemicals, as well as diesel fumes. In railroad maintenance and construction materials, asbestos, benzene and other carcinogens are discovered. Sadly, these toxic substances can lead to a variety of diseases and health conditions, including pulmonary disorders like asthma.

A Houston FELA attorney can help you to hold an employer accountable for their negligence if you suffer from asthma because of your railroad work, or if someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer that is linked to the rail industry. A professional attorney you can trust can increase your chances of obtaining the financial compensation you're entitled to for the pain and suffering.