Railroad Lawsuits For Asthma and Silicosis

Railroad workers often have to deal with dangerous exposures while working. These exposures can lead to serious illnesses, such as cancer or silicosis. It could take years for these diseases to manifest.

Thousands of coal miners have suffered by the black lung disease or pneumoconiosis. Some of these men are fighting for benefits.

Asthma

Railroad workers are frequently exposed to diesel fumes, blacklands railroad lawsuit that can cause a wide range of health issues. Poor ventilation, the collection of soot within train cabs and the work done alongside operating locomotives can all increase a worker's risk of developing asthma or other respiratory disorders. Even mild asthma may affect the ability of railroad workers to perform certain tasks. A severe case of asthma can render a once-dependable railroad workers cancer lawsuit worker unfit to work at all. A New York railroad lawyer can assist railway workers suffering from these conditions to seek financial recovery.

FELA claims enable plaintiffs to seek compensation from the government for any adverse impact the asthma they suffer has on their lives, such as the cost of medication as well as lost wages and other economic losses. To be successful in a FELA claim, a worker must prove that their injuries were caused by an exposure to work.

One FELA lawsuit filed by residents of the area surrounding CSX's rail yard in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania alleges that a huge amount of coal dust drifts from the plant and clogs homes and cars. The lawsuit claims that the dust is irritating residents' eyes and their lungs. The lawsuit claims that CSX releases cancer-causing vinylchloride. It also burns it, which can pollute local water supplies.

Cancer

Cancer can be triggered in different ways, such as genetics or lifestyle choices. However, it could be caused by exposure to certain harmful chemicals. As an example exposure to vinyl chloride (a chemical that is classified as carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency) can increase the risk of developing liver or other organ damage. Also, those who work in factories which produce vinyl products, or other chemicals can be exposed to harmful substances that are released into the air during production or transport.

Asbestos is yet another cancer-causing ingredient. It is used in rail cars, as well as numerous other products. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma - the lung cancer that typically is fatal. Those who develop mesothelioma due exposure to asbestos need to seek out an knowledgeable railroad lawyer.

A court has determined that a retired railroad worker who is disabled because of lung diseases such as black lung may be entitled to disability benefits. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the findings of an administrative law judge and the Benefits Review Board that Olen Roberson deserved benefits that are generally paid to coal miners who suffer from the same condition. Roberson's work required him join and disengage high pressure air hoses in coal vehicles, a procedure that expelled coal dust into the air.

Injuries

blacklands Railroad lawsuit (briggs-browne-3.thoughtlanes.net) work is a risky job that can lead to unexpected injuries or health damage from cumulative wear-and-tear. Railroad employees, unlike other workers, are covered under FELA which is the Federal Employers Liability act, which was passed in 1908. This allows employees to sue for compensation in the event that they are injured on the job.

Railroad tracks that cross roads have to be maintained in a safe condition. Railroads also must warn drivers and pedestrians of the presence of their railroad cars and tracks, and must maintain the highest standards of safety for the people who cross or enter their railroad property.

Train yards, coal mines and other industrial sites can produce toxic fumes and dust that can cause irritation or permanent damage to the lungs, nose or ear, as well as the throat of workers. These hazardous conditions can be caused either through poorly maintained equipment or by the burning coal silica, silica in locomotive sandhoppers and asbestos in older trains.

Exposure to carcinogens, such as chemical solvents, benzene and welding fumes can also cause cancer. Certain railroad workers have been diagnosed with occupational ailments that are difficult to identify and treat. If a railroad worker develops an illness or disease that is related to work, they should consult a knowledgeable railroad injury attorney to learn more about their legal options.

Claims involving FELA

Railroad workers are skilled and have very specific jobs which can cause serious injuries. A mistake can stop a worker from returning to work, and result in huge medical expenses. In these instances railroad workers injured by negligence are entitled to compensation through the Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA).

The FELA statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury or death. However it takes time to fully examine and determine the severity of an injury. If a worker is unable to legally take action within the three-year timeframe, the court is likely to dismiss the case.

In the case of a FELA suit, the proof of negligence by the railroad is easier than in the traditional personal injury lawsuit. The plaintiff needs to show that the railroad's negligence caused his or her injury. However, railroad lawsuit companies often claim that they are not responsible for injuries caused by claiming that they were negligent in a comparative manner.

Get in touch with an experienced Chicago railroad injury lawyer to safeguard the railroad cancer lawsuit employee's FELA claim. A lawyer with experience 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 looking over the equipment used in the accident. As time passes the process of establishing the basis of a FELA case becomes more difficult as witnesses may forget or evidence could disappear.