A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract certain illnesses, such as leukemia, often pursue a lawsuit against the employer. This is because the Federal Employers Liability Act allows employees to seek compensation for their illness.
A benzene exposure suit cannot reverse the harm caused by dangerous cancer or bring back a loved one, however it could help offset medical expenses related to treatment.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless and flammable liquid that is known to be a danger when it comes in contact with human skin. It is also a carcinogen that has been linked to certain types of cancers, like leukemia.
Studies show that workers exposed to low levels of benzene at work face a 40% increased risk of developing leukemia. The risks are even higher for workers that have been exposed to benzene for long periods of time. Workers in the oil refinery, mechanics, printers and gas pumpers are at risk from exposure.
The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) restricts exposure of workers to benzene in the workplace however some railroads do not adhere to these guidelines. Railroad workers can be affected by serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA lawyer can help the workers seek compensation for their losses under the law.
Leukemia can lead to serious complications, like bone marrow failure, or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA lawyer can help the victim recover damages for his or her medical expenses as well as lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and much more. During the trial, the victim might be required to appear in depositions in order to answer questions under oath from opposing counsel. In some cases a jury trial could be required.
Creosote
Railroad workers may be exposed to creosote if 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 associated with skin cancers and other medical conditions. Workers have also reported headaches, stomach pain and breathing problems. Creosote isn't soluble in water, so it is able to be carried on footwear and clothing to other family members who come into contact with the person exposed.
Other harmful chemicals that are found on trains include benzene (a carcinogen), asbestos, and other cancer-causing chemicals. A plaintiff may be able get compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) should it can be proven that he was injured as a result of exposure to these chemicals while working on a railway.
A seasoned FELA attorney can help prove that an employee’s injuries were the result of exposure on the job of harmful chemicals. This may involve hiring experts to testify about the severity of the injuries, the effect on the victim's life quality and their ability to work and whether the defendant failed to protect its workers.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with a severe illness that is related to their work should speak with an attorney right away. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP has decades of experience in representing clients in these cases. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Asbestos
Asbestos was often a harmful substance that railroad workers were exposed to while on their job. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, asbestosis and other illnesses. Asbestos fibres can lodge in the lungs and cause respiratory problems years or decades later. Asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
Benzene is a different chemical that can cause blood cancers among railroad workers. Railroad workers utilized benzene extensively to clean equipment and components. csx railroad lawsuit would dip rags into benzene-containing solvents to clean engines and other equipment. Benzene can also be found in diesel fuel and is a byproduct of diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or any other health issue as a result of working for a railroad must consult a specialized railroad attorney. A certified FELA lawyer can assist clients receive the compensation they deserve for their losses.
FELA is a federal law which allows railroad employees who have been injured to file a claim for injuries. An attorney for railroad leukemia can assist clients to determine if they are entitled to compensation under this process. For instance an employee of a railroad who was exposed to chemicals such as creosote or benzene could be eligible for compensation. However, the person must be diagnosed with the disease within three years after being exposed to these harmful substances to be eligible for a FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railyard workers are exposed carcinogenic substances which can cause cancer, blood disorders, and lung disease. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with leukemia or any other serious illness as a result of exposure to chemicals at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A lawsuit filed by a railroad worker will help you receive the cost of medical bills and other losses. These cases can help to hold your employers accountable for their negligence when it comes to protecting employees from the dangers of these chemicals.
The FELA provides those suffering from occupational injuries the right to seek financial compensation through a court trial. Workers Compensation is a different process that offers benefits through an administrative process.
Workers who have been exposed to toxic chemicals such as benzene or asbestos are at a greater chance of developing cancer, blood disorders, and other illnesses. This includes those who came into contact with these toxic substances including locomotive engineers as well as train conductors. A former railroad worker was awarded $7.5 million last September in recognition of developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia after years of exposure to asbestos and other carcinogenic substances.