Railroad Lawsuits For Asthma and Silicosis

Railroad workers often have to deal with dangerous exposures while on the job. These exposures can cause serious illnesses such as cancer and silicosis. Many of these diseases require years of development.

Thousands of coal miners have been struck by the disease known as black lung, also known as pneumoconiosis. Some of them are fighting for benefits.

Asthma

Railroad workers are often exposed to diesel fumes, which can trigger a range of health problems that can be debilitating. Poor ventilation, the collection of soot in train cabs and the work done alongside operating locomotives can increase the risk of developing asthma or other respiratory ailments. Even an asthma-like condition that is mild can hinder a railroad worker's ability to do certain tasks. The condition can be so severe that it can leave a formerly dependable railroad worker incapable of working at all. A New York railroad lawyer can help railway workers with such conditions to pursue financial recovery.

FELA claims allow plaintiffs to pursue compensation for the negative effects their asthma has had on their life which includes the cost of medications, lost wages and other economic losses. To be successful in a FELA claim, a person must prove that their injuries were the result of a work-related exposure.

Residents of the area surrounding the railyard of CSX in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania filed a FELA lawsuit alleging that a significant amount of coal dust has escaped out of the plant and covers cars and homes. The lawsuit claims that the dust irritates the eyes of residents and the lungs. The lawsuit also states that CSX releases and burns cancer-causing vinyl chloride which can be harmful to the water supply of the area.

Cancer

Cancer can be caused by a range of factors that include genetics, lifestyle choices. It can also be caused through exposure to toxic chemicals. For instance exposure to vinyl chloride (a chemical classified as carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency) can increase your risk of developing liver or other organ damage. In other words, workers who work in factories that produce vinyl products, or other chemicals can be exposed to harmful substances that are released into the air during the production process or during transportation.

Another example of a cancer-causing chemical is asbestos, that is found in insulation used on rail cars and in a number of other products. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma - a lung cancer that usually is fatal. Those who develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure must contact an knowledgeable railroad lawyer.

A retired railroad worker who was afflicted by a lung disease known as black lung may be entitled to disability benefits, a court has ruled. The 4th U.S. The 4th U.S. Roberson's work required him to connect and uncouple high-pressure air hoses to coal vehicles, railroad lawsuit lung cancer a procedure that caused coal dust to be blown into the air.

Injuries

The railroad industry is a risky job that could result in sudden traumatic injuries or accumulate the effects of wear-and-tear over time. Railroad employees, unlike other workers, are covered by FELA which is the Federal Employers Liability act, adopted in 1908. This allows employees to seek compensation if they suffer an accident at work.

Rail lines that cross roads have to be maintained in a safe condition. Railroads also have to inform drivers and pedestrians of the presence of their tracks and railroad cars, and must maintain the highest standards of safety for those who enter or cross their railroad property.

Coal mines and train yards produce toxic fumes and dust that can irritate or cause permanent damage to the lungs of workers, eyes as well as their noses, ears, and throat. These dangerous conditions are caused by machinery that is not properly maintained, or by the combustion of silica, coal, locomotive sand hoppers as well as asbestos in older trains.

Exposure to carcinogens such benzene, chemical solvents and welding fumes can also cause cancer. Some railroad workers have been diagnosed with occupational cancers that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Railroad Lawsuit Lung Cancer workers who develop an illness or disease that is caused by work should contact an experienced railroad injury lawyer to learn about their legal options.

Claims involving FELA

Railroad workers have very specific and specialized jobs that could result in catastrophic injuries. Accidents caused by negligence could prevent a worker from returning to work, and can result in huge medical bills. In these cases railroad employees who are injured are entitled to compensation under the Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA).

The FELA statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury or death. It takes time to fully assess and recognize an injury. If a worker is unable to legally take action within the time frame of three years, the court will likely dismiss the case.

In a FELA lawsuit, proving that the railroad was negligent is much simpler than in traditional personal injury lawsuits. This is because a worker must prove that the railroad's negligence led to his or her injuries. However, railroad companies often claim that they are not accountable for the injuries through the use of comparative negligence.

The most effective method to protect the rights of a railroad worker's FELA claim is to consult with an experienced Chicago railroad injury lawyer. A lawyer who is experienced will start investigating the case right away. This normally involves taking photographs of the accident scene as well as interviewing witnesses and examining the equipment or tools involved in the accident. As time gets longer, it becomes more difficult to prove a FELA claim as evidence could disappear or memories of witnesses fade.