csx railroad lawsuit Lawsuits and Asthma

Railroad workers are frequently exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals such as silica, creosote, and asbestos. These exposures can lead to respiratory disorders like asthma.

Fortunately, victims may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A railroad lawsuit asthma attorney can assist. Here are some examples of settlements and verdicts.

Diesel Exhaust

Since trains operate on diesel fuels railroad workers are constantly exposed to diesel fumes. These fumes are composed of soot particles as well as toxic chemicals. The exposure to these fumes can cause the development of asthma and other pulmonary diseases.

Railroads have been aware of the dangers of exposure to diesel exhaust for decades. However many companies have not taken adequate steps to protect their employees. As a result, some railroad workers have suffered from respiratory ailments that are severe and debilitating.

When combined with other workplace hazards such as asbestos, silica or creosote, exposure to diesel fumes can cause the development of life-altering pulmonary illnesses, such as asthma. These ailments can prevent railroad workers from returning to their work and may reduce the quality of their lives.

In one case our attorneys successfully defended a FELA lawsuit filed by an engineer for locomotives who claimed that he developed leukemia, as well as other cancers because of his exposure to toxic diesel fumes and toxic chemicals while working on railroad equipment. The court granted summary judgement for the defendant railroads. It decided that Plaintiff had not conducted an adequate search for information regarding his illness 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 and coal dust. They could also be exposed to chemical or petroleum fuels. These toxic substances can be harmful to an individual's health and can cause respiratory ailments, such as asthma.

Our FELA attorney has helped many people pursue compensation for their exposure to these substances. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with certain ailments to make their employers accountable for failing to safeguard them from dangerous work environments.

A Montana jury, for example gave $3.7 Million to a former locomotive engineer who was suffering from pulmonary fibroidsis, which is a progressive lung condition caused by scarring of lung tissue. The defendant's FELA claim alleged that inhaling diesel exhaust on hundreds, if not thousands, of occasions led to the development of his lung disease. The testimony of experts for the defense did not convince jurors that locomotive engineer's lung disease was due to some other reason.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club also successfully filed a class action lawsuit against union pacific railroad against BNSF Railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train travels through the Gorge, it pollutes sensitive habitats for wildlife and plants, tributary streams, wetlands, and the Columbia River with coal dust and other debris. In the wake of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge and other locations.

Asbestos

Rail workers have been exposed to dangerous chemicals for a long time. Although asbestos has been largely eliminated from the workplace, some toxic substances are still. Chemical solvents are known to cause asthma and respiratory ailments. Railroad workers can sue their employers to seek compensation.

In one case the 61-year-old locomotive engineer received $2.6 million after a jury's verdict revealed that his job at the railroad made him suffer from diesel asthma. This illness caused him to be on medical leave and lose wages. He also underwent two back surgeries, including a multilevel lumbar spine fusion. All of this added up to significant medical expenses.

He admitted that while working at various railways, he was constantly exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines strong odors silica dust particles chemical compounds and spray paints and black smoke and welding grease, motor grease and engine oil. His chest tightened, his throat ached and he had difficulties swallowing. He was suffering from allergies and bronchitis, too.

The railroads won the argument that release of the plaintiff from 1996 should block his new lawsuit because he knew the risk when he was exposed asbestos. Hughes Law Offices also argued that the statute of limitations should be tolled until the plaintiff was diagnosed with cancer to allow him to seek medical treatment and determine if his condition was related to his employment.

Poor Ventilation

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung disease or another type of cancer that may be connected to your employment in the field of railroads, you might be able file an FELA lawsuit against the company which employed you. FELA lawsuits could award compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. Contact a Houston FELA attorney today to discuss your case.

A jury gave $2.6 million to an ex- Conrail engineer in the case of occupational diseases after determining what caused his debilitating asthma. The jury determined that his exposure to diesel exhaust fumes was almost every day while working in rail yards. The plaintiff's lawyers claimed that the union pacific railroad lawsuits was unable to stop this type of exposure by not installing adequate ventilation in the locomotive cabs.

Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements workers are exposed toxic chemicals and diesel fumes. In railroad maintenance and construction material asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens can be found. Sadly, these dangerous materials can trigger a myriad of cancers as well as other serious health conditions, such as pulmonary disorders such as asthma.

A Houston FELA attorney can help you bring an employer to account for their negligence if you suffer from asthma as a result of your railway work, or someone you love has been diagnosed with a cancer that is linked to the rail industry. By contacting an experienced lawyer as soon as you can you will increase your chances of getting the financial compensation you deserve for Railroad Lawsuit your suffering and losses.