Railroad Lawsuits and AsthmaRailroad workers often are exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals like silica, creosote, and asbestos. These exposures can lead to respiratory disorders like asthma.Fortunately, victims may be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A railroad lawsuit asthma attorney can be of assistance. Read on for some examples of verdicts and settlements.Diesel ExhaustBecause trains run on diesel fuels railroad employees are exposed all day to diesel fumes. These fumes are a mixture of soot particles, as well as toxic chemicals. Exposure to these fumes could lead to the development of asthma and other lung diseases.Since decades railroads have been aware of the dangers that come with diesel exhaust. However numerous companies have failed to take sufficient steps to safeguard their employees. Railroad workers have been diagnosed with respiratory diseases that are debilitating.When combined with other workplace hazards such as asbestos, silica and creosote, exposure to diesel fumes can lead to the development of life-changing pulmonary illnesses, such as asthma. These symptoms can prevent railroad workers from returning to their work, and may even decrease their quality of life.In one case, our attorneys successfully defended an FELA claim made by a former locomotive engineer who claimed to have contracted leukemia and other cancers due to the exposure to diesel fumes and other toxic chemicals when working on railway equipment. The court granted summary judgement for the defendant railroads. It ruled that Plaintiff did not conduct a reasonable search for information regarding his condition at the time he was diagnosed and that his claims are not time-barred.DustRailroad workers are often exposed to different kinds of dust, such as silica from coal dust, ballast and petroleum or chemical fuels. These toxic substances pose a threat to health and can trigger respiratory ailments like asthma.Our FELA lawyer has helped many people seek compensation for their exposure. FELA permits workers suffering from certain illnesses to hold employers accountable for not protecting them from unsafe workplaces.A Montana jury, for example has awarded $3.7 Million to a former locomotive engineer who was suffering from pulmonary fibroidsis, which is a chronic lung condition caused by scarring in the lung tissue. His 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 the experts for the defense did not convince jurors that the locomotive engineer's lung disease was caused by an unrelated cause.Similar to this, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club successfully sued BNSF railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train crosses the Gorge it pollutes sensitive habitats for wildlife and plants, wetlands, tributary rivers, and the Columbia River. BNSF has accepted to stop transporting coal through the Gorge and other areas.AsbestosRail workers were exposed to dangerous chemicals for a long time. Although asbestos has been largely eliminated from the workplace, other toxic materials still remain. Chemical solvents are known to cause asthma and respiratory ailments. This is the reason railroad workers can file lawsuits in order to recover damages from the companies that employed them.In one instance the 61-year-old engineer for the locomotive received $2.6 million after a jury's verdict determined that his work on the railroad made him suffer from diesel asthma. The condition caused him to be placed on medical leave and lost wages. He also was required to undergo two back surgeries, which included an lumbar spinal fusion with multiple levels, all of which added up to significant medical costs.He claimed that his body was constantly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes and strong odors. He also said he was constantly exposed to silica particles as well as chemical compounds, spray paints and black smoke. His chest tenseened, his throat hurt and he experienced trouble swallowing. He was suffering from bronchitis and allergies too. Kidney cancer lawsuit prevailed in arguing that the release of the plaintiff from 1996 should block the new lawsuit as he knew the risk of exposure to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices also argued that the statute of limitations should be extended until the plaintiff was diagnosed with cancer in order to allow him to seek medical care and determine if the illness was due to his job.Poor VentilationIf you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung disease or any other cancer that could be linked to your job in the railway industry, you might be able to start a FELA lawsuit against the company that employed you. FELA lawsuits can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a Houston FELA attorney today to discuss your case.A jury awarded a former Conrail engineer $2.6 million in his occupational health trial after finding that the retired engineer's asthma, which is a chronic problem, was caused by the constant exposure to diesel exhaust fumes when working with locomotives at rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers argued that the railroad was unable to stop this type of exposure by not putting in proper ventilation in the cabs of locomotives.In addition to the diesel fumes that railroad workers breathe, they frequently come into contact toxic chemicals and other harmful substances during their job. In construction and maintenance material asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens may be discovered. These harmful materials can lead to many kinds of cancers and serious health issues, including asthma.If you have asthma that developed due to your working on the railroad, or when you have loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer that may be linked to the rail industry in any way, hiring a Houston FELA lawyer can help you make your employer accountable for their incompetence. If you contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you can, you can maximize your chances of obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for your suffering and losses.