Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma
Rail workers are often exposed to harmful fumes and chemicals such as asbestos and silica. These exposures can cause pulmonary disorders such as asthma.
Fortunately, victims may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A railroad lawsuit asthma attorney can help. Here are a few examples of settlements and verdicts.
Diesel Exhaust
Since trains run on diesel fuel, most railroad employees are exposed to a variety of diesel fumes during the day. The fumes consist of soot particles and harmful chemicals. Exposure to these fumes may cause the development of asthma and other pulmonary illnesses.
Since decades, railroads have been aware of the dangers that come with diesel exhaust. Many companies have not taken adequate measures to protect their workers. Some railroad workers have contracted respiratory diseases that are debilitating.
In conjunction with other workplace hazards, like asbestos, silica, and creosote, exposure to diesel fumes can result in the development of life-altering lung illnesses, such as asthma. These symptoms can prevent railroad workers from returning to work, and may even reduce their quality of life.
In one instance, our lawyers successfully defended an FELA lawsuit filed by an engineer for locomotives who claimed that he developed leukemia and other types of cancer because of his exposure to toxic chemicals and diesel fumes when working on railroad equipment. The court granted summary judgement for the railroads in question, deciding that Plaintiff did not conduct an adequately thorough search for information about his condition at the time of diagnosis, and that his claims were barred by time.
Dust
Rail workers are exposed to many dusts, including silica dust from ballasts and coal dust. They could also be exposed to chemical or petroleum fuels. These harmful substances can cause harm to one's health and can cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma.
cancer lawsuits has helped many people seek compensation for exposure to these substances. FELA permits workers suffering from certain diseases to hold their employers accountable for not protecting them from unsafe workplaces.
For instance the case of a Montana jury handed down $3.7 million to a former engineer of the locomotive who suffered from lung fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that is caused due to scarring of lung tissue. His FELA claim claimed that the inhalation of diesel exhaust on hundreds or even thousands of occasions led to the development of his lung disease. Leukemia lawsuit were not persuaded by the testimony of defense experts that the locomotive engineer's lung disease must have a different source.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club also successfully filed a lawsuit against BNSF Railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train runs through the Gorge and pollutes sensitive plant and wildlife habitat, the wetlands, tributary streams and the Columbia River with coal dust and debris. As a result of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge as well as other places.
Asbestos
Rail workers have been exposed chemical substances for a long time. While asbestos has been eliminated from the workplace, other harmful substances remain. Chemical solvents, for example, have been identified as causing asthma and respiratory diseases. Railroad workers can sue their employers to recover damages.
In one case the jury found that a 61-year-old locomotive engineer suffered from diesel asthma because of his railroad work. union pacific railroad lawsuit led him to be on medical leave and lose his wages. He also underwent two back surgeries, including the multilevel lumbar spine fuse. All of this added up to substantial medical expenses.
He said his body was constantly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes as well as strong odors. He also said he was exposed to silica particles chemical compounds, spray paints, and black smoke. cancer lawsuit tightened up and his throat hurt. He also had difficulty swallowing. He suffered from allergies and bronchitis, too.
Bladder cancer lawsuit won the argument that release of the plaintiff in 1996 should not be barred from the new lawsuit as he knew about the risk of exposure to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices argued that the statute should be tolled up until the plaintiff is diagnosed with cancer to allow him time to seek medical attention and determine if the condition is related to his job.
Poor Ventilation
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lung cancer mesothelioma, lung diseases or any other form of cancers that could be related to working in the railroad industry, then you may have the right to bring a lawsuit under FELA against the company who employed you. FELA lawsuits may award compensation for medical costs, lost wages, suffering and pain, and other damages. Contact an Houston FELA lawyer today to discuss your case.
A jury gave $2.6 million to a former Conrail engineer in the course of his occupational disease trial after determining the cause 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 representing the plaintiffs claimed that railroads failed to protect themselves from exposure by not installing adequate ventilation in the cabs of locomotives.
Railroad workers are exposed toxic chemicals, as well as diesel fumes. Asbestos, benzene and other carcinogens are commonly found in railroad maintenance and construction materials. Unfortunately, these hazardous materials can trigger a myriad of diseases and health conditions, including pulmonary disorders like asthma.
If you have asthma that arose due to your railway work, or when you have loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer that may be connected to the rail industry or a railroad, a Houston FELA lawyer can help you ensure that your employer is held accountable for their incompetence. A professional attorney you can trust can help you maximize your chances of receiving the financial compensation you're entitled to for the loss and suffering.