A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Railroad workers who contract illnesses like leukemia are often in a position to sue their employers. This is because the Federal Employers Liability Act allows workers to pursue compensation for their illnesses.
A benzene exposure case cannot reverse the damage of dangerous cancer or save the loved ones, but it can help pay for medical expenses related to treatment.
Benzene
The colorless, flame-resistant liquid that has been proven to be dangerous when it comes into contact with human skin. It is also a known carcinogen, and has been linked to certain types of cancers including leukemia.
Studies have shown that workers who are exposed to low levels of benzene in the workplace are at a 40% greater risk of developing leukemia. The risks are higher for those who have been exposed to benzene over an extended period of time. Printers, mechanics gas pumpers, shoemakers and oil refinery workers are all at risk of exposure to this poisonous chemical.
The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) regulates human exposure to benzene during work however some railroads do not follow these guidelines. Railroad workers may suffer from serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA lawyer can help those suffering from leukemia to receive an amount of compensation as required by law.
Leukemia can cause serious complications, such as bone marrow failure or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA attorney can help the victim get compensation for damages which include medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. During the course of litigation, the victim might be asked to take depositions to answer questions under oath from the opposing counsel. In some cases a jury trial could be necessary.
Creosote
Creosote could be a problem for railroad workers who clean rail ties, paint trains or handle other materials for the maintenance of right-of-way. Creosote is linked to skin cancer and other medical conditions. Workers have also complained of stomach pain, headaches and breathing problems. Creosote cannot dissolve in water and could be transferred to other family members via clothing or shoes.
Other toxic chemicals found on trains are benzene (a carcinogen) as well as asbestos and other cancer-causing chemicals. A plaintiff may be able claim damages under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) in the event that it can be proven that he was injured as a result of exposure to these chemicals while working on a railway.
An experienced FELA lawyer could help to establish that an employee's injuries are related to exposure to hazardous chemicals on the job. This may require hiring experts to testify about the severity of the injury, the impact on victim's quality-of-life and ability to work and whether the defendant did anything wrong to its workers.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with a severe illness that is connected to their work should speak with an attorney immediately. Parker Waichman LLP's legal team has decades of experience representing clients in such cases. Call us today to arrange an appointment.
Asbestos
Asbestos was frequently a toxic substance that railroad workers were exposed to on their job. Asbestos is a carcinogen which can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in the lungs, causing respiratory problems years or decades later. Asbestos-related victims could also be at an increased chance of developing certain forms of leukemia.
Another substance that could cause blood cancers among railroad workers is benzene. Railroad workers utilized benzene extensively to clean equipment and components. Workers dipped rags in benzene cleaners to clean engines and other equipment. Diesel fuel contains benzene, which is also a by-product of diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been affected by a blood cancer, or any other illness, as a result working on a railroad should contact a railroad attorney. A FELA lawyer who is qualified can help clients receive the proper compensation they deserve.
FELA which is a federal law allows railroad employees who are injured to make a claim. A railroad leukemia attorney can assist clients in determining whether they are eligible for compensation through this process. For instance railway workers who was exposed to chemicals like creosote, benzene and asbestos could be entitled to compensation. However, he or she must be diagnosed with the disease within three years of being exposed to these harmful substances to be eligible for an FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railyard workers are exposed carcinogenic substances which can cause blood disorders, cancer and lung disease. You or someone you love may be eligible for financial compensation if you or your loved-one developed leukemia, or another serious illness as a result of exposure to chemicals at work. This is covered under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A lawsuit involving a cancerous worker from the railroad can help you get the compensation you require to cover your medical bills and other expenses. These cases can also help you hold your employer accountable for their negligent failure to protect workers from these harmful substances.
railroad class action lawsuit gives victims of occupational injuries with the right to seek financial compensation in court through an open jury trial. Workers compensation is a separate procedure that grants benefits through an administrative process.
Workers who have been exposed chemicals like benzene or asbestos, are at a higher likelihood of developing cancer, blood disorders, and other diseases. This includes workers who came into contact with these harmful substances including locomotive engineers as well as conductors of trains. A former railroad worker was awarded $7.5 million in September last year for developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia after years of exposure to asbestos and other carcinogenic materials.