Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma Railroad workers are frequently exposed to fumes and toxic chemicals such as creosote, silica, and asbestos. These exposures can trigger respiratory disorders like asthma. Fortunately, victims could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A railroad lawsuit asthma attorney can assist. Find out more about some examples of verdicts that have won and settlements. Diesel Exhaust Because trains run on diesel fuel, the majority of railroad workers are exposed to a variety of diesel fumes through the day. These fumes comprise a mix of tiny soot particles gases, and other toxic chemicals that can cause serious health issues. Exposure to these fumes could contribute to asthma and other lung illnesses. Since the beginning of time, railroads have been aware of the dangers associated with diesel exhaust. Many companies haven't implemented adequate safeguards to protect their employees. This is why some railroad workers have suffered from respiratory ailments that are severe and debilitating. When combined with other workplace hazards, like asbestos, silica and creosote exposure to diesel fumes could lead to the development of life-altering lung diseases, including asthma. These conditions often hinder railroad workers from returning to their jobs and could affect the quality of their lives. In one instance, our lawyers successfully defended the rights of a FELA lawsuit asserted by an engineer for locomotives who claimed he contracted leukemia, and other cancers due to exposure to toxic diesel fumes and toxic chemicals when working on railroad equipment. The court granted summary judgment for the railroads that were defendants. The court ruled that Plaintiff had not made an appropriate search for information regarding his condition at the time the diagnosis was made and that his claims are barred by time. Dust Rail workers are exposed to a variety of dusts, including silica dust from ballasts as well as coal dust. They may also be exposed to chemical or petroleum fuels. These harmful substances can be harmful to an individual's health and contribute to respiratory ailments, such as asthma. Our FELA lawyer has assisted a number of people claim compensation for their exposure. FELA allows workers with certain illnesses to hold employers accountable for not protecting them from unsafe workplaces. For example for instance, a Montana jury awarded $3.7 million to an engineer from the past who was diagnosed with lung fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that is caused due to scarring of the lung tissue. The defendant's FELA claim alleged that breathing diesel exhaust on hundreds or even thousands of occasions contributed to the development of his lung disease. Jurors were not persuaded by the defense experts' testimony that the locomotive engineer's lung disease could have a different cause. Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club also successfully filed a lawsuit against BNSF Railroad over its coal trains. Every time a train traverses the Gorge it pollutes habitats that are sensitive for plants and wildlife, and tributary rivers, and the Columbia River. BNSF has agreed to stop transporting coal through the Gorge and in other locations. Asbestos Railroad workers have long been exposed to hazardous chemicals. Other toxic materials remain in the workplace, even when asbestos has been removed. Chemical solvents have been proven to cause asthma and respiratory illness. Railroad workers can sue their employers to recover damages. In one case the jury ruled that a 61-year-old engineer in the field suffered from diesel asthma due to his railroad work. The condition caused him to be placed on medical leave and lose his wages. He also required two back surgeries, which included a multi-level lumbar spinal fusion all of which resulted in significant medical expenses. He admitted that while working at various railways, he was constantly exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines, strong smells silica dust particles chemical compounds and spray paints including black smoke and welding and engine oil. His chest tightened and throat hurt. He also had difficulty swallowing. He suffered from allergies and bronchitis, as well. The railroads prevailed in arguing that the release of the plaintiff in 1996 should be a bar to the new lawsuit as he knew the risk when exposed to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices also argued that the statute of limitations should be extended until the plaintiff was diagnosed with cancer to give him the chance to seek medical care and determine if his condition was a result of his work. Poor Ventilation If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer or lung diseases, mesothelioma or other forms of cancers that may be connected to work in the railroad industry, you might be able to file an action under FELA against the company who employed you. FELA lawsuits may provide compensation for medical costs, lost wages, suffering and pain and other damages. Contact a Houston FELA lawyer today to discuss your case. A jury has awarded an ex- Conrail engineer $2.6 million in his occupational health trial after determining that the retiree's debilitating asthma was caused by his frequent exposure to diesel exhaust fumes as he working with locomotives at rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers claimed that the railroad was unable to stop this type of exposure by not putting in adequate ventilation in the locomotive cabs. In addition to the diesel fumes railroad workers breathe, they also frequently come into contact toxic chemicals and other harmful substances in their work. In railroad maintenance and construction materials asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens can be discovered. These dangerous substances can cause many kinds of cancers, as well as serious health problems, such as asthma. If you suffer from asthma that was brought on by your working on the railroad, or if you have family members who have been diagnosed with cancer that could be related to the rail industry, an Houston FELA lawyer can help you hold your employer accountable for their negligence. BNSF Railway lawsuit can trust will help you maximize your chances of receiving the financial compensation you're entitled to for your losses and suffering.
BNSF Railway lawsuit
