FELA Lawsuits - Why You Should File a Railroad Lawsuit

The Federal Employer's Liability Act gives railroad class action lawsuit workers, both former and current who are currently employed, the right of suing their employer if they develop cancer or another chronic illness because of exposure to benzene fumes, diesel fumes, or other carcinogens. Call today to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable railroad lawyer today.

FELA Lawsuits

Every day, railroads transport people, goods and services throughout the nation. It requires a huge number of railroad workers to run and manage these huge systems. Despite advances in technology the work of a railway worker remains extremely hazardous. This is why the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) was enacted to safeguard injured railroad workers.

Contrary to workers' compensation that is a system that does not have fault claims, the claimant must show that their railroad lawsuit settlements employer was negligent in order to receive compensation under FELA. Generally, this is achieved by proving that the Railroad Controls Limited Lawsuit [Adamlewisschroeder.Com]'s conduct was in violation of a federal norm, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, Boiler Inspection Act, or Safety Appliance Act.

In FELA cases, it is easier to prove negligence than in other personal injury claims. This is because of the pure comparative negligence criterion which permits individuals to seek compensation even if their own actions contributed to their injuries.

Shaw Cowart's lawyers have vast experience in FELA claims and are able to investigate the evidence in these cases. It is important to hire a lawyer as soon as you can following your injury because the time period for filing an FELA claims is short. This allows us to gather statements as well as documents, records, and other evidence prior to it disappearing. Contact us today to arrange an appointment with a railroad litigation attorney.

Exposure to Carcinogens

Railroad workers are at danger of contracting many of ailments due to exposure toxic chemicals and toxins working. For decades, railroad workers have been exposed to diesel fumes and asbestos, lead silica, creosote, and silica. These chemicals can cause cancer and other ailments among railroad employees. If a past or current railroad employee has an illness that is directly linked to the chemicals that they were exposed to in their job and is able to bring an FELA suit.

Many studies have shown railroad workers to be more likely to develop cancer than other professions. Some of the most common types of cancers that occur among railroad workers are lung, esophageal and throat cancers as well basal cell carcinomas on the neck and head.

Benzene is among the most frequently used carcinogens which railroad workers are exposed. It is a colorless gas that has a pleasant smell. It was banned in the United States more than 20 years ago, but it is present in gasoline, crude oil and diesel exhaust. It is also a component of some solvents and degreasers. Latonya Payne is suing BNSF and the City of Houston, Texas following the death of her nephew from leukemia. Her lawsuit claims that the railroad and the city contaminated her neighborhood with toxic chemicals from the railroad's train yard. Giles lived several blocks from the creosote-treatment facility and railyard.

Cancer symptoms

Railroad transportation is crucial to the American economy. The railroads in America transport 30 million passengers each year and 1.6 billion tonnes of freight. This includes lumber, food, crude grain, oil as well as cars as well as chemicals and metal ore. A FELA injury lawyer can help you file a suit against your employer.

One former Union Pacific employee claims that the company's negligence caused his basal cell cancer, a type of skin cancer. He claims that his exposure to sunlight and creosote-coated railroad ties between 1968 and 2009 caused the condition. He also claims that he was not receive the safety equipment to protect himself from the dangers of work.

Another plaintiff, LaTonya Payne, says her breast cancer was a result of her work at the Union Pacific track yard. The Houston resident claims she first noticed the lump in her breast in the year 2016. When doctors removed the lump and found it was malignant. The cancer has taken over her lymph nodes, lungs, the esophagus, and her liver.

The Houston mayor asked the Biden administration for fines and orders to clean up the Union Pacific site located in his city. The site was used up to the 1980s to store railroad ties made of wood that were treated with creosote an organic mixture of coal tar and other toxic chemicals. A study published in January by Texas health officials connected the area to clusters of acute myeloid leukemia colon, bladder, lung and rectal cancers as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs of other illnesses

Railroad workers are at risk of developing serious health issues, especially if they are exposed to chemicals every day. The Federal Employers Liability Act gives railway workers the right to seek compensation if their employer is in violation of the law. Chaffin Luhana is dedicated to helping victims receive the full compensation they deserve.

Studies have shown that people working in the railway industry are more likely to develop different types of cancer. When workers are inside locomotives or working in yards, they are usually exposed to harmful chemicals. For Railroad Controls Limited Lawsuit example an investigation has shown that railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust were more likely to suffer from lung cancer. The chemical Benzene has been linked with cancer among railroad workers. It is present in a wide range of solvents, degreasers and other products used in the railroad industry. It is also a constituent of diesel exhaust and is known to cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma in rail workers.

In September, a jury awarded $7.5 million to an employee of a railroad who contracted leukemia. The plaintiff worked at Chicago and North Western Railroad and later Union Pacific Railroad Company for decades. He claimed that he did not wear protective equipment when installing railroad ties soaked with creosote. He also claimed that he had been exposed to degreasing agents and led. He was diagnosed with myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) that eventually led to acute myeloid leukemia.