A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract illnesses, such as leukemia, may be 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 case 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 is a colorless, liquid that is flammable and known to be dangerous when it comes in contact with human skin. It is also a carcinogen that has been linked to certain types of cancers, like leukemia.
Research has shown that those exposed to benzene in low amounts in their work environments have a 40% increased risk of developing leukemia. The risk is higher for those who have been exposed to benzene long time. Mechanics, printers and shoemakers, gas pumpers and oil refinery workers are all at risk of exposure to this poisonous chemical.
OSHA restricts exposure to benzene while working, but some railroad companies don't follow the regulations. Railroad workers can suffer from serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA lawyer can help those suffering from leukemia to receive legal compensation.
Leukemia is a serious disease which can trigger many complications for the sufferer, including bone marrow failure and blood-related organ damage. A railroad worker's FELA lawyer can help the victim get compensation for medical expenses as well as lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more. During the course of litigation the victim could be required to take an examination to answer questions under oath to the opposing counsel. In certain instances a jury trial might be required.
Creosote
Creosote is a concern for railroad workers who clean rail ties or paint trains, or work with other materials involved in the maintenance of right-of-way. This chemical has been associated with skin cancer and other health issues. People have also complained of stomach pain, headaches and breathing difficulties. Creosote does not dissolve in water, so it is able to be carried on clothing and shoes to other family members who come in contact with the afflicted person.
Other harmful chemicals that are found on trains include benzene (a carcinogen) as well as asbestos and other cancer-causing chemicals. A plaintiff may be able to seek damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) in the event it's shown that he or she was injured because of exposure to these chemicals while working on the railroad.
A seasoned FELA lawyer could be able to prove the employee's injuries resulted from exposure to on-the-job use of dangerous chemicals. This may involve hiring experts to testify regarding the severity of the injuries, the effect on the victim's life quality and ability to work, and whether the defendant did not protect its workers.
If a railroad employee is diagnosed with a serious illness that is linked to their job it is recommended that they consult an attorney right away. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP has decades of experience in representing clients in these cases. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Asbestos
Asbestos was often a toxic substance that railroad workers were exposed to while on the job. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and other ailments. Asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs, which could cause a variety respiratory problems that can last for decades or years after exposure. Asbestos exposure can also increase the chance of certain types of cancer.
Benzene is another substance that can cause blood cancers in 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 is a source of benzene which is also a byproduct from diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or any other disease as a result working for a railroad should contact a professional railroad attorney. A FELA lawyer who is certified will assist clients in obtaining the amount of compensation they are entitled to.
FELA which is a federal law permits railroad employees who are injured to claim compensation. A lawyer for railroad leukemia will assist clients in determining if they qualify for compensation under this process. For example railway workers who was exposed to chemicals like creosote, benzene and asbestos could be qualified for compensation. However, he or she must be diagnosed with the disease within three years after being exposed to these harmful substances to be eligible for an FELA claim.
Lung Cancer
Railyard workers are exposed carcinogenic chemicals that can cause cancer, blood disorders, and lung disease. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with leukemia or a similar 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).
Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements could help you get the cost of medical bills and other expenses. These cases can also help you hold your employer accountable for its negligence in failing to protect workers from the harmful substances.
The FELA provides victims of occupational injuries the right to seek financial compensation via an appeal to the court. Workers compensation is a separate process that offers benefits through an administrative procedure.
Workers who have been exposed to toxic chemicals like benzene or asbestos are at greater risk likelihood of developing cancer or blood disorders as well as other illnesses. This includes those who were in close contact with these hazardous materials including locomotive engineers as well as train conductors. One former railroad worker, for instance, was awarded a $7.5 million verdict last September after he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia from his years of working with asbestos and other carcinogenic substances.