Asthma Railroad Lawsuit

If negligence by a railroad company contributed to your Asthma settlement or other lung conditions, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced FELA lawyer today for more details.

Our client, a retired engineer, suffered from asthma that was debilitating for years of spent crewing locomotives and breathing diesel fumes. He successfully sued the railway corporation for violation of FELA and Locomotive Inspection Act.

Exposure to Diesel Exhaust

Diesel exhaust fumes are toxic chemicals that are produced from the combustion of diesel fuel. When the exhaust is inhaled, the chemicals are absorbed into the lungs and can cause serious health issues, including asthma.

Many railroad workers spend as much as twelve hours a day in diesel-powered locomotives as well as other railway vehicles. The locomotives are extremely noisy, and they emit massive amounts of exhaust. The exhaust is composed of fine particles that can easily be inhaled into the lungs. Inhaling particulates can trigger a variety of symptoms like irritation of the eyes, wheezing, and coughing.

Researchers have long recognized the dangers of exposure to diesel fumes. They have discovered that individuals who have had a long-term exposure to diesel exhaust are at a greater risk for lung cancer than those who don't work around diesel engines. However previous studies have been questioned due to limitations such as failure to keep tabs on smoking and other potential carcinogens. The most recent study, conducted by Kurt Straif of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed 11 previously published studies and consolidated their findings. The results revealed that diesel exposure by railroad workers, miners and others on the job has a higher risk of lung cancer.

Exposure to Asbestos

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion. Once used extensively in construction materials to provide insulation and Asthma railroad cancer Settlements fireproofing, asbestos is now banned because of its health risks. When asbestos products are disturbed, they release tiny fibres into the air that can be inhaled. Inhaling these tiny particles increases the risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

The disease may not manifest symptoms until 15 to 30 year after exposure to asbestos. Employers who are exposed to asbestos like asbestos abatement workers as well as maintenance, asthma railroad cancer settlements custodial, or insulation workers are at greater risk of asbestos exposure.

If the lungs have been exposed to asbestos in high doses for a long time, they develop scar tissue which does not function like healthy lung tissue. This makes breathing difficult. Certain of these diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis, are fatal.

Railroad workers who are exposed to diesel fumes and asbestos may be suffering from occupational asthma that prevents them from performing their job. When this happens they are entitled to claim compensation through a FELA claim. If you need assistance, contact an experienced railroad worker attorney. We are willing to discuss your case at no charge to you. We only receive payment when you receive compensation.

Exposure to chemicals

Many hazardous chemicals, like chlorine, are transported on trains. These chemicals can leak in train accidents, derailments, and other incidents. These fumes are often breathed in by railroad workers and first responders.

Railroad workers also use diesel-powered equipment, like backhoes and ballast regulators in areas that are poorly ventilated. They are exposed to toxic mixtures of diesel exhaust and other chemicals like creosote, coal tar and silica. In time, this can lead to a variety of pulmonary illnesses, including occupational asthma.

Asthma can impact your quality of life and can limit your choices for work. You might have to undergo some retraining or not be able get work in the near future. A FELA lawyer with experience can assist you in obtaining the amount you are due.

Obtained summary judgment in favor of railroad clients in three cases where former railroad employees claimed development of prostate or lung cancer due to exposure to the workplace. In each instance, the court determined that the plaintiffs had not filed their FELA claims within the timeframe applicable to those claims.

Exposure to Odors

Because of their work, railroad workers are often exposed to harmful mixtures of fumes. When railroad workers work in a confined cab of a locomotive with inadequate ventilation, they could be exposed to toxic substances like asbestos and silica as well as diesel exhaust. This mixture of chemicals could result in lung diseases like Asthma railroad injuries, and other illnesses.

If railroad employees develop Asthma railroad cancer Settlements due to employer negligence, they could be entitled to compensation through FELA. Railroad workers do not have access to worker's compensation benefits like regular employees, which is why FELA is the only option for those who suffer from Asthma cancer settlements to receive financial aid for their illness.

Our FELA lawyer recently settled a case on behalf of a conductor who was diagnosed with severe Asthma cancer after decades of working around and on diesel-powered locomotives. He was able to secure an impressive settlement after proving to the railroad corporation that toxic dusts from work including silica and diesel fumes, caused an increase in his Asthma railroad cancer settlements symptoms from work. Our client's FELA lawsuit also included an claim for exposure to odors from other hazardous substances.