Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to carcinogens that can cause cancer. The exposure to diesel fuel, benzene, creosote and other toxic substances has led to cancer and other chronic illnesses like leukemia, lung cancer, mesothelioma bladder cancer and kidney cancer.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a serious illness that was related to your involvement with a railway, call an experienced lawyer for railroad cancer to schedule a consultation for no cost.
Leukemia lawsuit to carcinogens
Every day, railroad workers are exposed to carcinogens. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuits against different railroad companies have been filed in large numbers. The lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act, created in 1908.
The victims who contract cancer as a result of on-the-job exposure could be eligible for compensation. An attorney for railroad injuries will evaluate a claim by a victim and determine if an FELA lawsuit can be filed against the company responsible for their illness.
A railroad worker may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages as well as other damages caused by their illness. An attorney can help clients file a lawsuit within the three-year time frame of limitations set by FELA.
Plaintiff James Brown alleges that he was diagnosed with leukemia as a result from years of working in trains that were exposed to chemicals like creosote as well as degreasing solvents. He worked on tanks brake shoes, cabooses and tank cars. He claims he walked on railroad ties that smelled like creosote. union pacific railroad lawsuit saw plaques with skulls and crosses on train vehicles, indicating toxic substances. He also claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes when working on engines of locomotives and when he stopped in tunnels. union pacific railroad lawsuit made his breathing difficult and caused headaches.
Failure to Provide an appropriate Work Environment
Although railroad work has always been a risky job, new studies have revealed that a lot of common railway-related occupational hazards have a direct link to cancer and other serious illnesses. Federal law requires railroad employers to provide their employees with adequate protection and direction to ensure their safety. If they fail to provide this they could be held responsible for serious injuries which cause death or financial ruin.
If you are a railroad worker or have a family member who worked for a railroad and you are interested in seeking legal assistance from an experienced attorney. An attorney can determine if the exposure to carcinogens you have received on the job is enough for you to start a lawsuit. There is a 3 year statute of limitations, therefore it is imperative to contact an attorney as soon as you can.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers are also exposed toxic chemicals like creosote and diesel fumes and exhaust. These toxic fumes are often the reason for cancer, including mesothelioma, as well as other lung diseases. It is essential to contact a railroad injury lawyer immediately if you've developed one of these diseases.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC from September 1975 through December 2015. He claims that his time with the ICRC led to the development of renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He alleges that he was continually exposed to the hazardous chemical carbon tetrachloride, which is used by railroads to clean their tracks and braking systems.
Negligence
A lawsuit against a railroad company can be filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which permits railroad employees to directly make complaints against their employers. To be eligible for damages, a worker must prove that the railroad company was negligent in causing his injury or illness.
In his time on the railway Plaintiff Greger was exposed to many toxic chemicals as well as environmental conditions. These included carbon tetrachloride, which is used to clean rail and braking systems. The company didn't inform him about the potential dangers of this chemical which has been proven to cause cancer.
He also walked across rail ties sprayed with creosote, which he claims was known to be harmful. He also breathed diesel fumes inside locomotive cabs and testified to having headaches and difficulty breathing. He also was exposed to diesel exhaust while he was in tunnels of locomotives that were running and claims that it caused him to feel sick.
He claims he questioned his doctors about the link between his railway work and kidney cancer but they refused to offer any information about the connection. He claims that this was negligence and that the railway should be aware of the connection between these exposures and kidney cancer. He seeks compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, lost earnings and emotional distress.
Damages
The damages in a railroad lawsuit kidney cancer claim result from a combination of medical expenses as well as lost wages and other expenses. The amount of damages could vary widely depending on the particular case. A knowledgeable attorney will ensure that you receive the full amount for your losses.
In one example the man was 51 years old and diagnosed with myelodysplastic disease (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. He was an employee of maintenance of way for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 until 2008 as a machinist. He was exposed to chemicals that contained creosote as well as benzene and degreasing agents.
Railroad companies are legally bound by a obligation to follow government safety standards for their workplaces, which include safeguarding workers from exposure to known carcinogens. If a railroad does not comply to follow these rules, the consequences can be devastating for the victims and their families.
Hughes Law Offices has represented thousands injured people as well as railroad workers exposed to toxic fumes. Contact us today to arrange free consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer for railroad accidents. The Founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for the majority of his legal career, so He is knowledgeable about the laws governing these claims as well as the risks that may result from work exposure.