A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract illnesses, such as leukemia, are often able to pursue a lawsuit against the employer. This is because the Federal Employers Liability Act allows employees to seek compensation for their disease.
A benzene-related lawsuit cannot stop the effects of cancerous cells or bring back loved ones, but it may help to offset the costs of medical treatment.
Benzene
Benzene, a colorless liquid that can be ignited, poses a risk to human skin when it comes in contact with. It is also a well-known carcinogen, and has been linked to certain types of cancers including leukemia.
Studies have revealed that workers exposed to low concentrations of benzene in the workplace are at a 40% higher risk of developing leukemia. The risks are higher for those who have been exposed to benzene long periods of time. Oil refinery workers mechanics, printers, mechanics and gas pumpers are at risk from exposure.
OSHA limits exposure to benzene during work however, some railroad companies do not adhere to the guidelines. This could result in railroad employees suffering from serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA lawyer could help these workers get legal compensation.
railroad class action lawsuit can cause serious complications, such as bone marrow loss or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA attorney can assist the victim recover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. During the trial, the victim might be required to take depositions in order to answer questions on oath before opposing counsel. In certain cases a jury trial might be required.
Creosote
Creosote is a concern for railroad workers who clean rail ties paint trains, clean them or handle other materials during the maintenance of rights-of-way. This chemical has been associated with skin cancer and other health problems. Some workers have complained of headaches, stomach pain and breathing difficulties. Creosote doesn't dissolve in water, so it could be spread to family members through clothing or shoes.
Other harmful chemicals found in trains include benzene which is carcinogen as well as asbestos and other cancer-causing substances. A plaintiff may be able to seek damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) if it is proven that he or her was injured due to exposure to these chemicals during work on railways.
An experienced FELA attorney can help prove that an employee’s injuries resulted from the exposure to hazardous chemicals. This could involve hiring experts to testify as to the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim's quality of life and ability to work and whether the defendant harmed its workers.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with a serious disease that is related to their jobs should consult with an attorney immediately. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP has decades of experience representing clients in these cases. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Asbestos
Asbestos was often a harmful substance that railroad workers were exposed to on their job. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, asbestosis and other ailments. Asbestos particles can get stuck within the lungs, which can cause a variety of respiratory problems that can last for decades or years after exposure. Asbestos-related victims could also be at higher risk of developing certain types of leukemia.
The chemical Benzene can lead to blood cancers among railroad workers. Benzene was widely used by railroad workers to clean parts and equipment. Workers dipped rags in 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 are suffering from blood cancer or another illness as a result of working on a railroad should contact a railroad attorney. A FELA lawyer who is experienced will help clients get the compensation they deserve.
FELA is a federal law that allows railroad employees injured in the line of duty to file a claim for injuries. A railroad leukemia attorney can assist clients to determine if they are eligible for compensation under this process. For example an employee on the railroad who was exposed to chemicals like creosote or benzene may be entitled to compensation. However, he or she must be diagnosed with the disease within three years of being exposed to these harmful substances in order to file a FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railyard workers are exposed carcinogenic substances that can lead to cancer, blood disorders, and lung disease. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with leukemia or any other serious illness as a result of exposure to chemicals at work, you could be qualified for financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A lawsuit filed by a railroad worker can help you obtain the cost of medical bills and other losses. These cases can also help you hold your employer accountable for their negligence in not protecting workers from these harmful substances.
The FELA provides victims of occupational injuries the right to seek financial compensation in court through juries. This is different from workers compensation, which provides benefits to employees via an administrative process.
Railroad workers who were exposed chemicals like benzene and creosote and asbestos are at increased risk of developing cancers, blood disorders, and other illnesses. People who worked in close contact with dangerous substances like locomotive engineers and conductors are at risk. A former railroad worker was awarded $7.5 million in September of last year for developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia after years of exposure to asbestos and other carcinogenic substances.