A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract certain illnesses, such as leukemia, may be able to bring a lawsuit against their employer. The Federal Employers Liability Act gives workers the right to claim compensation for their illness.
A benzene exposure suit cannot reverse the damage of cancer that is deadly or bring back a loved one. However, it can help offset medical costs associated with treatment.
Benzene
Benzene, a non-colorless liquid that is flammable, can pose a danger to human skin when in contact with. It is also a carcinogen that has been linked to specific kinds of cancers, such as leukemia.
Studies have shown that workers exposed to lower levels of benzene during work are at a 40% greater risk of developing leukemia. The risk is greater for workers who have been exposed to benzene over an extended period of time. Workers in the oil refinery, mechanics, printers and gas pumpers are at risk of exposure.
OSHA restricts exposure to benzene in the workplace however, some railroad companies do not adhere to the guidelines. Railroad workers can suffer from serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA attorney can assist these workers seek compensation for their losses under the law.
Leukemia can trigger serious complications, such as bone marrow loss or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA lawyer can assist the victim to recover damages for medical expenses as well as lost wages, emotional trauma, and much more. During the litigation process the victim may be required to take depositions to answer questions from opposing attorneys under the oath. In some cases, a jury trial will be required.
Creosote
Creosote can be a problem for railroad workers who clean rail ties or paint trains, or work with other materials for the maintenance of right-of-way. This chemical can cause skin cancers and other medical issues. People have also reported stomach pain, headaches, and breathing difficulties. Creosote does not dissolve in water, and it can be transferred to family members through clothing or shoes.
Other toxic chemicals that are present on trains include benzene (a carcinogen) asbestos, benzene, and other cancer-causing substances. A plaintiff might be able to seek damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) when it is proven that he or her was injured because of exposure to these chemicals when working on trains.
An experienced FELA lawyer could help to establish that an employee's injuries resulted from exposure to hazardous chemicals on the job. This could mean hiring expert witnesses to testify regarding 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 workers who have been diagnosed with a severe illness that is related to their job 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
Railroad workers were often exposed to asbestos that was toxic while on the job. Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other illnesses. Asbestos particles can build up in the lungs, causing respiratory problems for years or even decades later. Asbestos exposure can also increase the chance of certain types of cancer.
Benzene is another substance that can lead to blood cancers among railroad workers. Benzene was used extensively by railroad workers to clean their equipment and components. Workers would soak rags in benzene solvents to clean engines and other equipment. The chemical is also present in diesel fuel and is a by-product of diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been affected by a blood cancer, or any other illness as a result of working on a railroad should contact a railroad attorney. A FELA lawyer who is a professional can assist clients to receive the amount of compensation they are entitled to.
FELA is a federal law that allows railroad employees injured by injuries to file a claim for their injuries. An experienced railroad leukemia lawyer 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 such as creosote, benzene, and asbestos could be eligible for 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 a FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railyard workers are exposed carcinogenic substances that can cause blood disorders, cancer, and lung disease. You or someone you love may be eligible for financial compensation if loved one suffered from leukemia or a different serious illness caused by exposure to chemicals at work. This is covered under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A railroad worker cancer lawsuit can help you obtain the compensation you require to cover medical bills and other expenses. Bladder cancer lawsuit can help hold your employers accountable for their incompetence when it comes to protecting employees from the dangers of these chemicals.
The FELA provides those suffering from occupational injuries the right to seek the financial compensation they deserve in court through an open jury trial. This is in contrast to workers compensation, which gives benefits to employees through an administrative process.
Railroad workers who were exposed chemicals like benzene, creosote and asbestos are at a greater risk risk of developing cancers, blood disorders, and other illnesses. Workers who came into contact with hazardous materials like locomotive engineers and conductors are at risk. 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.