FELA and Railroad Cancer LawsuitsThe Federal Employers Liability Act allows railroad employees to claim compensation for illness or injuries resulting from their job. A FELA lawyer can assist you in obtaining damages for both economic losses and non-economic ones.You must make a claim under FELA within three years from the time you are diagnosed and realize that your illness is linked to your employment at a railroad. A lawyer can assist you in determining when the claim period begins to begin.How do railroad workers file cancer claims?Patients diagnosed with cancer, which could be caused by their work environment could be able to file an insurance claim. This is usually done through what is known as a FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) claim. The law allows employees who have been injured on the job to claim damages against their employers that cover medical costs or lost wages as well as other costs.One of the main considerations when it concerns a railroad-related cancer lawsuit is that signs of certain cancers may remain undiscovered for years, or even decades. This makes it difficult for some patients to connect their diagnosis with their work on the railroad. This is why it's vital to contact an experienced FELA lawyer as soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis.A seasoned FELA attorney will be able to assess the situation and assist people determine if they have an argument for a FELA lawsuit. In most cases, workers must bring a suit within three years after being diagnosed with cancer and having reason to believe that the cancer was caused by their work on the railroad.At the end of 2016, Rutha Frieson filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. for the death of her husband, Marvin Frieson, who died of stomach cancer that had metastasized to his esophagus and colon. The widow claimed that her husband had been exposed to asbestos-containing substances while working at CSX and that the railroad failed to take the proper safety precautions to prevent him from being injured.What are the common causes of cancer of the esophagus in the railroad industry?Because railroads were the principal mode of transport for passengers prior to the time that airplanes became widely used, those working on trains came into contact with a myriad of chemicals that can cause cancer. Many railroad workers were regularly exposed to carcinogens as they worked on the railways, running or maintaining them, or working in shops. These include asbestos, diesel fumes and solvents.Studies have revealed that people who work in railroads could be more susceptible to developing a variety of different types of cancer than those who work in other occupations. In this regard, an experienced railroad cancer lawyer can help a former railroad worker prove that their cancer was caused by workplace exposure to toxins and chemical substances.In cases of cancers that affect the upper two-thirds of the esophagus. The most common histologic kind of tumor is squamous-cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma tends to be more prevalent in the lower one-third. Other risk factors that are caused by exposure to chemicals or toxins at work include smoking or consuming alcohol, as well as reflux and achalasia.A widow claimed that CSX Railroad exposed their husband to a number toxic substances during his job, which led to his stomach cancer death. However, the Court granted Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment and dismissed all claims.How Do Railroad Workers File a Claim for Compensation Under FELA?The Federal Employers Liability Act allows railroad workers to sue their employers if they suffer injuries or get sick due to work conditions. Interstitial lung disease lawsuit allows workers to seek compensation for traumatic injuries as well as aggravations caused by pre-existing health conditions and occupational illnesses such as cancer. A knowledgeable railroad esophageal cancer lawyer can review your case and explain how the law will apply to your situation.Railroad cases must be filed before federal court. This differs from a typical workplace injury lawsuit filed with the state workers' compensation court or a state industrial court. The reason is that FELA which is a federal law which sets the standard for all worker's compensation laws on maritime and land law in the United States, is the basis for the railroad cases.It is crucial to remember that you have a short amount of time to start a FELA lawsuit. You must make a claim within three years of the date that you were diagnosed and should have known it was a work-related illness. An attorney with experience in FELA will be able to help you determine when that three-year period starts to begin.In one recent case, a railroad worker aged 62 was awarded damages of $500 for pain and suffering related to his esophageal cancer. The plaintiff claimed that his exposure to asbestos and diesel fumes which he was aware of at the time of diagnosis was the reason he developed cancer.How much can I receive in damages for an esophageal cancer involving the railroad?Railroad workers who suffer from cancer of the esophagus due to their work can be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings and discomfort. In a case involving cancer in the railroad they are referred to as economic damages. In many cases non-economic damages like emotional distress are also possible.Railroad injury attorneys could use experts to establish a connection between the negligence of an employer and the worker's esophageal cancer or other diseases. For example a former employee at a repair shop for trains might have been exposed to solvents, such as paint and degreasing substances that can may be a risk to cancer of the esophageal tract. In certain instances military service at Camp Lejeune could have predisposed a veteran to develop esophageal cancer.In one instance, our clients were awarded $6.1 Billion in a class action settlement over exposure to volatile organic compounds in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune that led to the development of esophageal cancer among veterans. There are a variety of other factors that affect the amount that a plaintiff will receive in their railroad injury case, such as how long they were at Camp Lejeune, and how severe their cancer is. We will maximize your compensation with Sokolove Law and ensure that you get the justice that you deserve. Contact us to learn more about the case.