FELA and Railroad LawsuitsRailroad workers exposed to toxic chemicals like diesel exhaust fumes, coal fumes, benzene or asbestos are at risk of developing a serious illness, including cancer. A successful FELA claim can provide compensation for medical expenses loss of income suffering and more.A railroad worker who developed leukemia was recently awarded $7.5 million from Union Pacific. This is only one example of the justice system standing up for victims.BenzeneRailroad workers are frequently exposed to dangerous substances and chemical solvents like benzene. Benzene, a highly-evaporative liquid is absorbed by the skin or inhaled. It has been linked to several medical conditions like cancer, blood-related cancers such as Lymphoma and Leukemia, and bone-marrow disease. It is also a carcinogen and a component of coal tar creosote. It is used to shield railroad ties from heat, sunlight snow, rain and sun.A former rail worker claimed exposure to benzene from working with coal tar creosote railroad ties caused Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which grew into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A jury gave him $7.5 million last September.If you have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases because of their exposure to benzene asbestos radioactive substances and other harmful chemicals, have the right to claim compensation under FELA. The statute of limitations can differ based on the nature and degree of cancer or disease. It is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as you can.A railroad lawyer at Shaw Cowart can help you determine whether your case is eligible for a FELA claim. We offer no-cost consultations and are familiar with FELA railway workplaces, FELA and the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that railroad employees encounter on a daily basis.AsbestosOur lawyers have represented railroad workers who contracted lung cancer and other health conditions due to asbestos exposure. They were often employed in areas like repair shops, engine rooms, and yards as well as on rail cars that were damaged or track equipment with asbestos insulation that was becoming degraded. This kind of asbestos is particularly hazardous because, when it deteriorates, tiny fibers are released into air. The fibers are breathed in by railway workers and may cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural plaque.Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases from diesel exhaust, silicasand and welding fumes. These particles and fumes can harm the kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract as well blood cells. These injuries are often diagnosed many years after an employee's initial exposure and can result in many grave and debilitating health conditions.A recent case against Conrail highlights the risks associated with this type of work. The Appeals Court upheld a jury award of $2.3 million to Conrail for an ex-railway worker who died from mesothelioma. A jury awarded damages for suffering and pain, as well as loss of companionship, future medical costs and other expenses. This case highlights the importance to work with an experienced attorney who is able to quickly assess whether a FELA claim is warranted.Radioactive SubstancesRailroad workers who are exposed to radioactive substances are at risk of developing certain types of cancers and other serious diseases. These substances are typically hidden in the materials that railroads employ to clean track and other rail yards. It is often difficult to identify them unless the railroad's company tests for Gamma and Alpha radiation. If a railroad employee develops cancer or another illness caused by exposure to carcinogenic substances while on the job, he could file an FELA and receive compensation from the company he worked for previously.Studies have shown that workers in the railroad industry are more likely to develop various types of cancer than other people. They are constantly exposed the toxins that can cause lung cancer. This includes asbestos and sand (silica) diesel fumes or welding fumes.A railroad lawyer should be consulted as quickly as possible by railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer due to exposure on the job. They can help them determine if they have a claim against their former employers and initiate the appropriate lawsuits in accordance with FELA. These claims could include compensation for medical expenses and income loss as well as pain and suffering. In addition, they could compensate for the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case. An experienced railroad lawyer can assist victims in obtaining the maximum amount of damages that they are entitled to, under FELA.FELARailroad workers such as engineers conductors, and members of train crews frequently work in dangerous environments that can harm lungs without even realizing it. Former railroad employees who have developed lung cancer or other ailments that could be caused by their work can seek compensation under Federal Employers Liability (FELA).As opposed to workers' compensation claims, FELA allows injured railroad employees and the families of deceased employees to seek damages for past and future emotional suffering and medical expenses.  lung cancer lawsuit  with the rules under FELA can explain your options for filing.To prevail in a FELA lawsuit, you'll need to prove that your employer acted negligently in a manner. Negligence could include breaking a rule or law or not achieving the acceptable standards of care, or any other. A competent FELA lawyer can review your case to determine whether the railroad's negligence played a role in causing your condition.Railroad exposure can trigger a variety of lung illnesses. If you were exposed during your career as a railroad worker to diesel exhaust or other toxins like creosote or asbestos creosote mesothelioma lawyers can help you file an application for compensation under the FELA. The FELA cases handled by Hughes Law Offices in the past have led to a variety of verdicts and settlements.