Railroad Lawsuit Kidney Cancer
Rail workers are exposed carcinogens. Exposed to diesel fuel, benzene, creosote and other toxic substances has led to cancer as well as other chronic diseases like lung cancer, leukemia, mesothelioma, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a serious illness that was related to your involvement with railroads, contact an experienced railroad cancer lawyer today for a free consultation.
Bladder cancer lawsuit to Carcinogens
Railroad workers are exposed numerous carcinogens that can cause harm on a regular basis. These include diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. Railroad cancer lawsuits involving different railroad companies have been filed in large number. These lawsuits were filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act, that was passed in 1908.
Patients who contract cancer due to on-the-job exposure to toxins may be entitled to compensation. An attorney for railroad injuries will review a victim’s claim and determine whether a FELA lawsuit is possible against the business that caused their illness.
A railroad worker may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, medical expenses and other damages related to their illness. A lawyer can assist clients file a lawsuit within the three years of limitations set by FELA.
Plaintiff James Brown alleges that he developed leukemia as the result of his work on trains with unprotected exposure to chemicals such as creosote, and degreasing solvents. He worked on tanks brake shoes, cabooses and tank cars. He claims that he worked on railroad ties, which smelled of creosote. He also saw signs on train vehicles with skulls and crossbones which indicated the contents contained toxic substances. He also claims that he was exposed to diesel fumes when working on locomotive engines as well as when he stopped in tunnels. The toxins made his breathing difficult and caused headaches.
Inability to provide an Occupational Safety Environment
While railroad work has always been a risky job, modern studies show that many of the most common railway occupational hazards have a direct link to cancer and other serious diseases. Federal law requires railroad companies to provide workers with enough guidance and protection to ensure their safety. If they do not, they could be liable for serious injuries which cause death or financial ruin.
If you are a railroad worker or have a family member who was a railroad employee it is recommended that you seek legal advice from a knowledgeable attorney. An attorney can determine the extent to which your exposure to carcinogens on working is sufficient for you to file an action. There is a 3-year statute of limitations, so it is crucial to speak with an attorney immediately.
In addition to asbestos, railroad workers also are exposed to harmful chemicals like creosote as well as diesel fumes and exhaust. The harmful fumes can cause cancer in various forms, including mesothelioma and other lung diseases. It is important that you seek the help of a lawyer for railroad accidents immediately if you've been diagnosed with one of these conditions.
The plaintiff was employed by the ICRC as a mechanic/carman from September 1975 to December 2015. He alleges that his employment in the ICRC led to his development of renal (and later adrenal) cancer. He claims that he was continuously exposed to the dangerous chemical carbon tetrachloride. This chemical is used by railroads to clean their brake systems and tracks.
Negligence
A railroad lawsuit may be filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which permits railroad employees to directly file complaints against their employers. In order for a worker to be able to claim damages, they must establish that the negligence of the railroad company caused their illness or injury.
During his time working 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 braking and rail systems. He claims that his company was unable to warn him about the risks of the chemical, which has been linked to cancer.
He also claims to have walked across rail ties which were coated in creosote. This substance was considered as a hazard. He also inhaled diesel fumes in the cabs of locomotives and was found to be suffering from headaches and breathing difficulties. He also inhaled diesel exhaust while he was in tunnels for locomotives running and claims that this caused him to feel sick.
He claims he sought out his doctors about the link between his railway work and kidney cancer, but they did not give any information on the connection. He argues that this was negligent and the railroad in question should have been aware of the connection between exposure to these chemicals and kidney cancer. He is seeking to recover compensation for medical expenses along with pain and suffering, lost earnings as well as emotional distress.
Damages
The damages in a kidney cancer lawsuit filed by a railroad are a result of the combination of medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. The amount of these damages can vary greatly depending on the individual case. An experienced lawyer will ensure that you receive the full amount for your losses.
In one example the man was 51 years old and diagnosed with myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2008. Leukemia lawsuit was a machinist for Chicago & North Western Railway, and its successor, Union Pacific Railroad, from 1976 until 2008. During that period, he was exposed to years of exposure to benzene-based chemicals, including creosote and degreasing solvents.
Railroad companies have a legal obligation to adhere to the government's safety standards for their workplaces, which include safeguarding workers from exposure to known carcinogens. When a railroad company fails to adhere to these regulations and suffers the consequences, it can be devastating for the victims and their families.
The attorneys at Hughes Law Offices have represented thousands injured individuals, including many railroad workers who have been exposed to toxic fumes. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer for railroad accidents. Founder Andrew Hughes actually defended railroads in FELA cases for most of his legal career. As such, he is well-versed in the laws surrounding these claims and the conditions that can result from on-the-job exposure.