A Railroad Lawsuit For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rail workers who contract illnesses, such as leukemia, can often pursue a lawsuit against the employer. The Federal Employers Liability Act gives workers the right to seek compensation for their disease.
A benzene lawsuit will not help reverse the effects of cancerous cells or bring back loved ones, but it could help offset the costs associated with medical treatments.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid that is known to be hazardous when it comes in contact with human skin. It is also a well-known carcinogen, which has been linked with certain types of cancers, such as leukemia.
Research has shown that those exposed to low levels of benzene during work are at a 40% greater risk of developing leukemia. The risks are higher for those who have been exposed to benzene for an extended period of time. Workers in the oil refinery, mechanics, printers and gas pumpers are at risk of exposure.
OSHA regulates exposure to benzene in the workplace, but some railroad companies aren't adhering to the regulations. This can lead to railroad workers suffering from serious illnesses, such as leukemia. A FELA attorney can help those suffering from leukemia seek compensation for their loss as per the law.
Leukemia can cause serious complications, like bone marrow loss or organ damage caused by blood. A railroad worker's FELA lawyer can assist the victim obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and much more. During the process of litigation the victim may have be deposed in order to answer questions from opposing attorneys under the oath. In some cases the jury trial may be required.
Creosote
Railroad workers can be exposed to creosote when he or she cleans rail ties, paints trains or handles other materials that are used for maintenance of the right-of-way. This chemical has been linked to skin cancer as well as other health problems. Some workers have complained of stomach pain, headaches, and breathing difficulties. Creosote does not dissolve in water and can therefore be transferred to other family members via clothing or shoes.
Other toxic chemicals found on trains include benzene, carcinogen, as asbestos and other cancer-causing chemicals. A plaintiff may be able to recover damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) if it is shown that he or she was injured by exposure to these chemicals while working on trains.
An experienced FELA lawyer could be able to prove the employee's injuries were caused by on-the-job exposure of harmful chemicals. This could mean hiring expert witnesses to testify on the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim's life quality and work capacity, and whether the defendant did not ensure the safety of its employees.
If a railroad worker is diagnosed with a serious illness related to their work the worker should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Parker Waichman LLP's legal team has decades of experience in representing clients in such cases. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Asbestos
Railroad workers were often exposed to asbestos poisoning while on the job. Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other illnesses. Asbestos fibers can build up within the lungs, which could cause a variety respiratory problems that can last for decades or years after exposure. Asbestos sufferers may also be at a greater risk of developing certain forms of leukemia.
Another substance that could cause blood cancers among railroad workers is benzene. The use of benzene was widespread among railroad workers to clean parts and equipment. Workers dipped rags in benzene cleaners to clean their engines and other equipment. Diesel fuel is made up of benzene which is also a by-product of diesel exhaust.
Many people who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or other illness as a result of working for a railroad must consult a specialized railroad attorney. A licensed FELA lawyer can assist clients get the compensation they deserve for their losses.
FELA is a federal law which allows injured railroad employees to make a claim for their injuries. A knowledgeable attorney for railroad leukemia can assist clients in determining if they are eligible for compensation through this process. Railroad workers exposed to chemicals like benzene or asbestos could be eligible for compensation. To be able to file a FELA lawsuit, the victim must be diagnosed within three years after having been exposed to toxic substances.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers often face dangerous and debilitating illnesses such as cancers, blood disorders and lung disease due to their exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in the rail yards. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with leukemia or a similar illness because of chemical exposure at work, you could be qualified for financial compensation from your employer under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A railroad worker cancer suit can help you recover compensation for medical expenses and other losses. These cases can help make your employers accountable for their negligence by failing to protect their employees from these harmful chemicals.
The FELA provides victims of occupational injury the right seek financial compensation through an appeal to the court. Leukemia lawsuit is different from workers compensation, which provides benefits to employees via an administrative process.
Railroad workers who were exposed chemicals like creosote, benzene and asbestos are at a greater risk possibility of developing cancers blood disorders, and other illnesses. This includes workers who were in close contact with these hazardous materials, including locomotive engineers and conductors of trains. A former railroad worker was awarded $7.5 million in September of last year for developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia after years of exposure to asbestos and other carcinogenic materials.