A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract certain illnesses, such as leukemia, can often pursue a lawsuit against the employer. This is because the Federal Employers Liability Act allows workers to seek compensation for their illness.
A benzene lawsuit will not stop the effects of cancerous cells, or even bring back loved ones, but it could help offset the costs associated with medical treatments.
Benzene
It is a colorless, flame-resistant liquid that has been proven to be dangerous when it comes into contact with human skin. It is also a carcinogen and has been linked with certain types of cancers, like leukemia.
Studies have shown that workers exposed to lower levels of benzene during work are at a 40% greater risk of developing leukemia. The risks are even higher for those who have been exposed to benzene over long time. Workers in the oil refinery, mechanics, printers and gas pumpers are at risk from exposure.
OSHA restricts exposure to benzene during work however, some railroad companies don't follow the regulations. This could result in railroad workers suffering from serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA attorney could help these workers seek compensation for their losses as per the law.
Leukemia can lead to serious complications, such as the failure of bone marrow or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA lawyer can help the victim obtain compensation for his or her medical expenses as well as lost wages, emotional trauma, and more. During the trial the victim may be required to take depositions to answer questions under oath to the opposing counsel. In certain situations the courtroom trial of a jury may be required.
union pacific railroad lawsuits can be exposed to creosote when they clean rail ties, paints trains or handles other materials used in the maintenance of the right-of-way. This chemical has been linked to skin cancer as well as other health issues. Workers have also reported headaches, stomach pain and breathing problems. Creosote isn't soluble in water, meaning it can be absorbed through footwear and clothing of family members who come into contact with the exposed individual.
Other toxic chemicals found on trains are benzene (a carcinogen) as well as asbestos and other cancer-causing chemicals. A plaintiff may be able obtain compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) should it can be proven that he was injured due to exposure to these chemicals during his work on trains.
An experienced FELA lawyer could be able to prove that an employee’s injuries were caused by on-the-job exposure of hazardous chemicals. This may involve hiring expert witnesses to testify about the seriousness of the injuries, the impact on the victim's quality of life and their ability to work and whether the defendant failed to protect its workers.
If a railroad employee is diagnosed with a serious illness related to their job it is recommended that they consult an attorney right away. 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
Asbestos was often a harmful substance that railroad workers were exposed to while on their job. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and other illnesses. Asbestos fibres can accumulate in the lungs, and can lead to a variety of respiratory problems over the years or for a long time after exposure. Asbestos-related sufferers could also be at higher risk of developing certain forms of leukemia.
Benzene is a different chemical that can lead to blood cancers in railroad workers. Railroad workers frequently used benzene to clean components and equipment. Workers would soak rags in benzene solvents to clean engines and other equipment. Diesel fuel contains benzene, which is also a by-product from diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been affected by blood cancer, or another illness as a result of working for a railroad should speak with a railroad attorney. A FELA lawyer who is a professional will assist clients in obtaining the justice they deserve.
FELA is a federal law that allows railroad employees who have been injured to make a claim. A lawyer for leukemia in the railroad industry can assist clients to determine if they are eligible for compensation through this process. A railroad worker who is exposed to chemicals like benzene or asbestos may be eligible to receive compensation. However, he or she must be diagnosed with the disease within three years of exposure to these toxic substances to be eligible for a FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railyard workers are exposed to carcinogenic substances which can cause cancer, blood disorders, and lung diseases. If you or a loved one suffered from leukemia or other serious illness because of chemical exposure at work, you could be eligible for financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A lawsuit against a railroad worker with cancer can help you get the money you need to cover medical bills and other losses. These lawsuits can help to hold your employers accountable for their incompetence by failing to protect their workers from these dangerous chemicals.
The FELA provides victims of occupational injury the right seek financial compensation via a court trial. This is distinct from workers compensation, which provides benefits to employees via an administrative process.
Workers who have been exposed chemicals, such as benzene and asbestos are at greater risk likelihood of developing cancer, blood disorders, and other illnesses. People who were in close contact with hazardous substances like locomotive engineers and conductors are at risk. One former railroad worker, for example, was awarded a $7.5 million verdict in September after he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia from his years of working with asbestos and other carcinogenic substances.