A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract certain illnesses, such as leukemia, are often able to pursue a lawsuit against the employer. The Federal Employers Liability Act gives workers the right to seek compensation for their disease.
A benzene exposure lawsuit cannot help reverse the damage caused by cancer that is deadly or bring back a loved one. However, it can help offset medical costs associated with treatment.
Benzene
Benzene, a colorless fluid that is flammable, is dangerous to the human skin when in contact. It is also a carcinogen that has been linked with certain types of cancers, including leukemia.
Studies show that workers exposed to benzene in low amounts at work face a 40 percent increased chance of developing leukemia. The risk is higher for those who have been exposed to benzene for many years. Oil refinery workers, mechanics, printers and gas pumpers are at risk of exposure.
The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) restricts exposure of workers to benzene during work however, some railroad companies don't adhere to these regulations. This could result in railroad workers suffering from serious illnesses, including leukemia. A FELA lawyer can assist those suffering from leukemia to receive compensation under the law.
Leukemia can lead to serious complications, such as bone marrow failure or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA attorney can assist the victim to recover damages in the form of medical expenses, lost wages and emotional trauma. During the course of litigation the victim may be asked to take depositions in order to answer questions under oath to opposing counsel. In certain instances a jury trial might be necessary.
Creosote
Creosote may pose a risk for railroad workers who clean rail ties, paint trains or handle other materials for the maintenance of right-of-way. This chemical has been linked to skin cancer as well as other health issues. Workers have also complained of stomach pain, headaches and breathing problems. Creosote is not dissolved in water, and it can be transmitted to other family members via footwear or clothing.
Other toxic chemicals that are present on trains include benzene (a carcinogen) asbestos, benzene, and other cancer-causing chemicals. A plaintiff could get compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) in the event that it can be shown that he was injured as a result of exposure to these chemicals when working on trains.
railroad lawsuit settlements could help to demonstrate that an employee's injuries are related to exposure to hazardous chemicals on the job. This may involve hiring expert witnesses to testify on the severity of the injuries, their impact on the victim's health and ability to work and whether the defendant did not ensure the safety of its employees.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with a severe disease that is related to their job should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Parker Waichman Legal's team has years of experience in representing clients in such cases. Call to schedule a free consultation today.
Asbestos
Railroad workers were frequently exposed to asbestos poisoning on the job. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, asbestosis and other illnesses. Asbestos particles can build up in lungs and cause respiratory problems for years or even decades later. Asbestos exposure can also increase the chance of certain types of cancer.
Benzene is a different chemical that can cause blood cancers among railroad workers. Benzene was widely used by railroad workers to clean their equipment and components. Workers would dip rags in benzene-based cleaners to clean equipment and engines. Diesel fuel contains benzene which is also a byproduct from diesel exhaust.
Many people who are affected by blood cancer, or any other disease, due to working for a railroad should contact a railroad attorney. A reputable FELA lawyer can help clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their losses.
FELA is a federal law that permits injured railroad employees to make a claim for their injuries. A knowledgeable attorney for railroad leukemia can assist clients to determine if they are entitled to compensation through this process. For instance an employee on the railroad who was exposed to chemicals such as benzene, creosote and asbestos could be qualified for compensation. However, he or she must be diagnosed with the disease within three years of exposure to these toxic substances to be eligible for an FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers regularly face dangerous and debilitating illnesses like blood disorders, cancers, and lung disease because of their exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in rail yards. If you or a loved one suffered from leukemia or other serious illness due to chemical exposure at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A suit brought by a railroad worker can help you obtain compensation for medical expenses and other expenses. These lawsuits can help you to hold your employers accountable for their omissions in failing to protect workers from these dangerous chemicals.
The FELA provides those suffering from occupational injuries with the right to pursue financial compensation in court by way of an open jury trial. This is in contrast to workers' compensation, which offers benefits to employees via an administrative process.
Workers who have been exposed chemicals, such as benzene and asbestos, are at a higher risk of developing cancer and blood disorders, as well as other illnesses. People who were in close contact with hazardous materials 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 materials.