A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Railroad workers who suffer from diseases like leukemia are usually in a position to sue their employers. This is because the Federal Employers Liability Act allows workers to seek compensation for their illness.
class action lawsuit against union pacific railroad will not help reverse the effects of cancerous cells or help bring back loved ones, but it may assist in paying for the expenses related to medical treatment.
Benzene
The colorless liquid Benzene that is flammable, can pose a danger to the human skin when in contact. It is also a known carcinogen, and has been linked to certain kinds of cancers, including leukemia.
Studies have shown that workers exposed to low levels of benzene in their workplace are at a 40 percent higher risk of developing leukemia. The risk is greater for workers who have been exposed to benzene over an extended period of time. Mechanics, printers and shoemakers, gas pumpers and oil refinery workers are all at risk of exposure to this harmful chemical.
The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) restricts exposure of workers to benzene during work However, some railroads do not adhere to these guidelines. Railroad workers can be affected by severe illnesses, like leukemia. A FELA attorney could help these workers seek compensation for their loss as per the law.
Leukemia can cause serious complications, such as bone marrow failure, or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA attorney can help the victim recover damages that include medical expenses, lost wages and emotional trauma. During the process the victim may be required to attend depositions to answer questions under oath by the opposing counsel. In some cases a jury trial might be necessary.
Creosote
Railroad workers can be exposed to creosote when he or she cleans rail tieways, paints trains or handles other materials that are used for maintenance of the right-of-way. This chemical is linked to skin cancers and other medical conditions. Workers have also complained of headaches, stomach pain and breathing problems. Creosote isn't soluble in water, which means it can be absorbed through footwear and clothing to other family members who come in contact with the exposed person.
Other harmful chemicals that are found on trains are benzene (a carcinogen) as well as asbestos and other cancer-causing substances. A plaintiff could be able to claim damages under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) when it can be proved that he was injured by exposure to these chemicals when working on the railway.
A seasoned FELA attorney can demonstrate that an employee's injuries were caused by on-the-job exposure of dangerous chemicals. This may involve bringing in experts to testify about the severity of the injury, its impact on victim's quality-of-life and ability to work, and whether the defendant did anything wrong to its workers.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with a serious illness that is connected to their job should consult with an attorney immediately. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP has decades of experience representing clients in these cases. Call us to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Asbestos
Railroad workers were often exposed to asbestos-containing toxic substances while working. Asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and other illnesses. Asbestos fibres can accumulate in lungs and cause respiratory problems for years or even decades later. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
Another substance that can cause blood cancers in railroad workers is benzene. Benzene was widely used by railroad workers to clean parts and equipment. Workers would dip rags into benzene-containing solvents to wash engines and other equipment. Benzene can also be found in diesel fuel and is a by-product of diesel exhaust.
Many people who are suffering from blood cancer or another illness, as a result working on a railway should consult a lawyer for railroads. A reputable FELA lawyer can help clients receive the compensation they are due for their losses.
FELA is a federal law that which allows railroad workers who are injured to claim compensation. An experienced railroad leukemia lawyer can assist clients in determining if they qualify for the compensation they deserve through this process. A railroad worker exposed to benzene and asbestos may be eligible for compensation. To file a FELA lawsuit, the victim must be diagnosed within three years of being exposed to toxic substances.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers regularly face deadly and debilitating illnesses such as blood disorders, cancers and lung disease due to their exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in the rail yards. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with leukemia or a similar illness because of chemical exposure at work, you could be qualified for financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A lawsuit involving a cancerous worker from the railroad could help you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other losses. These cases can also assist you in holding your employer accountable for their carelessness in not securing workers from these harmful substances.
The FELA provides those suffering from occupational injuries with the right to pursue financial compensation in court via an open jury trial. Workers compensation is a distinct procedure that grants benefits through an administrative process.
Railroad workers who were exposed to harmful chemicals like creosote, benzene and asbestos are at a higher risk of developing cancers, blood disorders and other diseases. People who were in close contact with hazardous materials like conductors and locomotive engineers are at risk. A former railroad worker was awarded $7.5 million last September for developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia after years of exposure to asbestos and other carcinogenic materials.