A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Railroad workers who develop certain diseases like leukemia are usually able to file lawsuits against their employer. The Federal Employers Liability Act gives workers the right to claim compensation for their disease.
A benzene exposure suit cannot reverse the harm caused by cancer that is deadly or bring back a loved one. However, railroad lawsuit settlements could help offset medical expenses associated with treatment.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid that is believed to be a danger when it comes into contact with human skin. It is also a carcinogen and has been linked with certain kinds of cancers like leukemia.
Research has shown that those exposed to low levels of benzene at work are at risk of a 40 percent higher chance of developing leukemia. The risks are higher for workers who have been exposed to benzene for an extended period of time. Printers, mechanics gas pumpers, shoemakers and oil refinery workers are all at risk of exposure to this poisonous chemical.
OSHA limits exposure to benzene in the workplace however some railroads aren't adhering to the regulations. This can result in railroad employees suffering from serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA lawyer can help those suffering from leukemia to receive compensation under the law.
Leukemia can cause serious complications, such as the failure of bone marrow or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA attorney can help the victim obtain compensation which include medical expenses, lost wages and emotional trauma. During the litigation, the victim might be required to appear in an examination to answer questions under oath by opposing counsel. In some cases, a jury trial will be necessary.
Creosote
Creosote is a concern for railroad workers who clean rail ties paint trains, clean them or handle other materials in the maintenance of right-of-way. This chemical is linked to skin cancers and other medical problems. Workers have also complained of stomach pain, headaches and breathing difficulties. Creosote cannot dissolve in water and can therefore be transferred to other family members via clothing or shoes.
Other toxic chemicals that are present on trains are benzene (a carcinogen), asbestos, and other cancer-causing substances. A plaintiff could claim damages under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) when it can be shown that he suffered injuries due to exposure to these chemicals during his work on the railway.
An experienced FELA attorney could help demonstrate that an employee's injuries resulted from the exposure of hazardous chemicals. This could mean hiring expert witnesses to testify about the seriousness of the injuries, their impact on the victim's life quality and ability to work, and whether the defendant failed to ensure the safety of its employees.
If a railway worker is diagnosed with a serious illness that is linked to their work, they should consult an attorney as soon as possible. Parker Waichman Legal's team has years of experience representing clients in these cases. Call us to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Asbestos
Railroad workers were frequently exposed to asbestos that was toxic while working. Asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and other diseases. Asbestos fibers can build up in the lungs and could cause a variety respiratory problems that can last for decades or years after exposure. Asbestos exposure can also increase the likelihood of certain kinds of cancer.
Another chemical, Benzene, can cause blood cancers among railroad workers. Benzene was widely used by railroad workers to clean their equipment and components. Workers dunked rags in benzene-containing solvents to clean engines and other equipment. Diesel fuel is made up of benzene which is also a byproduct from diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been diagnosed with blood cancer or any other ailments as a consequence of working on a railroad should consult a specialized railroad attorney. A FELA lawyer who is experienced can assist clients to receive the justice they deserve.
FELA is a federal law that which allows railroad workers who have been injured to claim compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer for railroad leukemia can assist clients to determine if they are eligible for compensation through this process. For instance an employee of a railroad who was exposed to chemicals like benzene, creosote and asbestos may be eligible for compensation. To be able to file a FELA lawsuit, the plaintiff must be diagnosed within three years of being exposed to toxic substances.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are often confronted with dangerous and debilitating illnesses such as cancers, blood disorders and lung diseases as a result of their exposure to carcinogenic substances in the rail yards. You or someone you love may be eligible for financial compensation if your loved-one developed leukemia, or a different serious illness due to chemical exposure at work. This is covered under the Federal Employers' Liability Act.
A lawsuit involving a cancerous worker from the railroad could help you receive the amount of compensation you need to pay for your medical expenses and other losses. These lawsuits can help make your employers accountable for their negligence in failing to protect employees from these harmful chemicals.
The FELA offers victims of occupational injuries with the right to seek financial compensation in court via juries. Workers' compensation is a different procedure that provides benefits through an administrative process.
Workers who have been exposed to toxic chemicals, like benzene or asbestos are at a higher risk of developing cancer or blood disorders, along with other diseases. This includes workers who were in close contact with these dangerous substances such as locomotive engineers and conductors of trains. One former railroad worker, for example, was awarded a $7.5 million verdict in September, after he developed Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia from his years of working with asbestos and other carcinogenic substances.