The Evolution Of Railroad Lawsuit Mds

Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma

Rail workers are frequently exposed to harmful fumes and chemicals like asbestos and silica. The exposures can result in pulmonary disorders such as asthma.

Fortunately, victims may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A reputable railroad lawsuit asthma lawyer can assist. Here are some examples of settlements and verdicts.





Diesel Exhaust

Because trains run on diesel fuel, the majority of railroad workers are exposed variety of diesel fumes throughout the day. These fumes are composed of tiny particles of soot, gasses, and other harmful chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Exposure to these fumes may contribute to the development of asthma and other lung illnesses.

Railroads have been aware of dangers of exposure to diesel exhaust for a long time. However, many companies have failed to take the necessary steps to protect their employees. In the end, a few railroad workers have suffered from respiratory ailments that are severe and debilitating.

In conjunction with other workplace hazards like asbestos, silica, and creosote, exposure to diesel fumes could cause the development of life-changing pulmonary illnesses, such as asthma. These symptoms could prevent railroad workers from returning to work, and could even affect their quality of life.

In one case the attorneys of our firm successfully defended an FELA claim by a former engineer who claimed to have developed leukemia and other cancers due to the exposure to diesel fumes and other toxic chemicals when working on railway equipment. The court granted summary judgment for the defendant railroads, ruling that Plaintiff did not make an adequate search for information regarding his illness at the time of diagnosis, and that his claims were time-barred.

Dust

Railroad workers are exposed to various kinds of dust, such as silica from ballast, coal dust, and chemical fuels or petroleum. These toxic substances are harmful to health and can trigger respiratory diseases like asthma.

Our FELA lawyer has helped a number of people pursue compensation for exposure to these substances. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with certain ailments to hold their employers accountable for failing to protect workers from hazardous work environments.

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

Similarly, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club successfully sued BNSF railroad over its coal trains. mesothelioma lung cancer lawsuit through the Gorge it pollutes habitats that are sensitive for plants and wildlife, such as wetlands, tributary rivers and the Columbia River. In the wake of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge as well as other places.

Asbestos

Rail workers have been exposed chemicals for a lengthy period. Although asbestos has been largely eliminated from the workplace, other toxic substances are still. Chemical solvents, for example, have been known to cause asthma and respiratory diseases. Railroad employees can sue their employers to get compensation for their losses.

In one case, a 61 year old engineer in the field of locomotives was awarded $2.6 million after a jury's verdict revealed that his job at the railroad caused him to suffer from diesel asthma. This condition led him to be placed on medical leave and lose his wages. He also required two back surgeries, including an lumbar spinal fusion that was multi-level that resulted in significant medical costs.

He testified that while working at various railways, he was exposed to diesel exhaust fumes, strong smells silica dust particles chemical compounds and spray paints and black smoke, welding and engine oil. railroad workers cancer lawsuit tightened up, his throat ached and he had difficulties swallowing. He suffered from bronchitis and allergies, as well.

The railroads won the argument that release of the plaintiff in 1996 should be a bar to his new suit because he was aware of the dangers when he was exposed asbestos. Hughes Law Offices argued that the statute should be extended 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 know has been diagnosed with lung cancer, lung diseases, mesothelioma or any other type of cancer that may be caused by working in the railroad industry, you may have the right to file an action under FELA against the corporation that employed you. FELA lawsuits could award compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. Contact an Houston FELA lawyer 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 source of his debilitating asthma. The jury concluded that his exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel engines was almost constant while crewing locomotives in rail yards. The lawyers for the plaintiffs argued that railroads failed in their duty to avoid exposure to diesel exhaust by not installing adequate ventilation in locomotive cabs.

In pulmonary fibrosis lawsuit to the diesel fumes railroad workers breathe, they also often come into contact with toxic chemicals and other harmful substances in their jobs. In the construction and maintenance of railroad material asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens can be discovered. These toxic substances can cause many kinds of cancers, as well as serious health problems, such as asthma.

If you suffer from asthma that developed due to your job on the railroad or when you have family members who have been diagnosed with cancer that may be linked to the rail industry, a Houston FELA lawyer can help you make your employer accountable for their negligence. By contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible to maximize your chances of getting the financial compensation that you deserve for your suffering and losses.