Railroad Lawsuits For Asthma and Silicosis Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous exposures while on the job. These exposures may cause serious illnesses such as cancer and the silicosis. A lot of these illnesses can take years to develop. The pneumoconiosis disease, also known as black lung, has affected thousands of coal miners. Some of these men are now fighting for benefits. Asthma Diesel fumes are a frequent exposure for railroad workers and they can trigger serious health problems. Poor ventilation, accumulation of dust inside train cabs and working with locomotives can increase the chance of an employee developing respiratory issues or asthma. Even an asthma-like condition that is mild can affect a railroad worker's capacity to perform certain tasks. The condition can be so severe that it can make a previously reliable railroad worker incapable of working at all. With the assistance of a New York railroad asthma lawyer, current and former railway employees who suffer from these conditions could be eligible for financial compensation through a successful FELA claim. FELA claims permit plaintiffs to pursue compensation from the government for any negative impact their asthma can have on their lives, including the cost of medication or lost wages, as well as other economic losses. However, a successful FELA claim requires that the worker prove that their injuries were caused by a workplace exposure. One FELA lawsuit filed by residents living in the area around the rail yard of CSX in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania alleges that a huge amount of coal dust is emitted from the facility and is a nuisance to houses and cars. The lawsuit states that the dust causes irritation to the residents' eyes and lungs. The lawsuit claims that CSX releases cancer-causing vinylchloride and burns it, which may pollute local water supplies. Cancer Cancer can be triggered in various ways, including genetics or lifestyle choices. It can also be caused by exposure to harmful chemicals. For instance exposure to vinyl chloride (a chemical that is 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 toxic substances that are released into the air during production or transportation. Another cancer-causing chemical is asbestos that is found in insulation of rail cars as well as in many other products. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. It is a form of lung cancer that is usually fatal. People who develop mesothelioma thanks exposure to asbestos need to consult an experienced railroad lawyer. A court has determined that a retired railroad worker who is disabled due to lung disease known as black lung could be eligible for disability benefits. The 4th U.S. railroad cancer lawsuit . Roberson's work required him couple and uncouple high pressure air hoses in coal cars, a process that produced coal dust in the air. Injuries Railroad work is a hazardous job that could result in sudden traumatic injuries or accumulate health damage from cumulative wear-and-tear. Railroad employees, unlike most workers, are covered under FELA The Federal Employers Liability Act which was passed in 1908. This allows them to seek compensation if they are injured on the job. Rail lines that cross roads must be maintained in a safe condition. Railroads must also warn drivers and pedestrians of the presence of railroad tracks as well as cars. They also must ensure an extremely high level of security for anyone who enters or traverses their railroad property. Coal mines and train yards produce toxic dust and fumes that can irritate or cause permanent damage to the lungs of workers' eyes and ears, nose, and throat. These hazardous conditions can be caused either through poorly maintained equipment or by the burning of coal, silica, in locomotive sandhoppers or asbestos in older trains. Cancer can also be caused through exposure to carcinogens such as benzene and chemical solvents. Some railroad workers have developed occupational cancers that are difficult to detect and treat. Railroad workers who suffer from an illness or condition that is related to their job should consult a knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer for advice about their legal options. Claims involving FELA Railroad workers are highly skilled and are required to perform specific tasks which can result in catastrophic injuries. A mistake can hinder a worker's return to work and can result in massive medical bills. In these situations railroad employees who are injured are entitled to compensation under the Federal Employees' Liability Act (FELA). The time limit for FELA is three years from the date of injury or fatality. It takes time to evaluate and identify an injury. If a person does not take legal action within the three-year period, the case will likely be dismissed by the court. In a FELA lawsuit, proving that the railroad was negligent is much easier than in traditional personal injury claims. The plaintiff must prove that the railroad's negligence caused the injury. But, railroad companies often argue that they are not liable for the injury by claiming that they were negligent in a comparative manner. The most effective method to protect the rights of railroad workers' FELA claim is to discuss with an experienced Chicago railroad injury attorney. An experienced lawyer will start investigating the case right away. This usually involves taking pictures of the scene of the accident as well as interviewing witnesses. It could also involve reviewing the tools employed in the injury. As time passes, establishing a FELA case becomes more difficult due to the fact that witnesses may forget or evidence may disappear.
railroad cancer lawsuit