Railroad Lawsuits For Asthma and Silicosis
Railroad workers often face dangerous exposures on the job. These exposures can lead to serious illnesses, such as cancer and silicosis. A lot of these illnesses take years to develop.
Many coal miners have suffered by the black lung disease also known as pneumoconiosis. Some of these men are fighting for benefits.
Asthma
Railroad workers are often exposed to diesel fumes, which can cause a myriad of health issues. Poor ventilation, the accumulation of soot in train cabs and the work done alongside operating locomotives can increase the risk of developing asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Even mild asthma can hinder the ability of railroad workers to complete certain tasks. The condition can be so severe that it can leave a formerly dependable railroad worker not able to work at all. With the help of a New York railroad asthma lawyer who is a former and current railway workers who suffer from these types of conditions might be eligible to seek financial recovery through an effective FELA claim.
FELA claims allow plaintiffs to seek compensation for the negative effects their asthma has had on their lives which includes the cost of medication, lost wages and other economic losses. To be successful in a FELA claim, an employee must prove that their injuries were the result of an exposure to work.
Residents of the area surrounding the railyard of CSX located in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania filed a FELA lawsuit alleging that a lot of coal dust erupts out of the facility and covers homes and cars. According to the lawsuit the dust irritates the eyes and lungs of residents. The lawsuit claims that CSX releases cancer-causing vinylchloride, and burns it, which can pollute local water supplies.
Cancer
Cancer can manifest in many ways, including genetics or lifestyle choices. But it can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. For instance, routine exposure to vinyl chloride (a chemical that the Environmental Protection Agency classifies as carcinogens, can increase the chance of developing liver cancer or other organ damage. In other words, those who work in factories that 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 various other products. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma – an air-borne cancer that usually is fatal. Those who develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure should contact an experienced railroad lawyer.
A retired railroad worker who was afflicted by a lung condition known as black lung could be eligible for disability benefits, a court has declared. The 4th U.S. The 4th U.S. Roberson’s work required him to connect and vshop.livek.tv uncouple high-pressure hoses that were positioned between coal automobiles. This caused coal dust to be blown into the air.
Injuries
Working on the railroad is a dangerous job that can result in sudden traumatic injuries or accumulate health damage from cumulative wear-and-tear. Unlike most workers, railroad workers are covered under FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) which was passed in 1908, which enables employees to sue their employers for compensation following a workplace accident.
Rail lines that cross roads have to be maintained in a safe condition. Railroads also must warn drivers and pedestrians of the presence of their tracks and railroad cars and must ensure an excellent safety standard for those who cross or enter their railroad property.
Train yards, coal mines, and other industrial locations can emit toxic fumes and dust that can cause irritation or permanent damage to the lungs, nose and throat of workers. These hazardous conditions could be caused through poorly maintained equipment or by the burning of coal silica, silica in locomotive sandhoppers or asbestos, in older trains.
Cancer can also be caused through exposure to carcinogens like as benzene and chemical solvents. Certain railroad workers have been diagnosed with occupational illnesses that are difficult to diagnose and treat. If a worker on the railroad develops an illness or disease that is related to work it is recommended that they consult a knowledgeable railroad injury attorney to learn more about their legal options.
FELA Claims
Railroad workers are skilled and are required to perform specific tasks which can result in catastrophic injuries. The result of injuries caused due to the negligence of a train company can cause a person to be unable to return to work and cause enormous medical bills. In these situations railroad workers who have been injured are entitled to compensation under the Federal Employees’ Liability Act (FELA).
The time limit for FELA is three years after the date of injury or fatality. However it takes time to fully evaluate and recognize an injury. If a worker is unable to initiate legal action within the three-year period, the court will likely dismiss the case.
In a FELA lawsuit, proving the railroad was negligent is more straightforward than traditional personal injury lawsuits. This is due to the fact that a plaintiff must only show that the railroad’s negligence contributed to his or her injuries. Railroad companies use the concept of negligence in a comparative manner to avoid liability for injuries.
The most effective method to protect the railroad worker’s FELA claim is to consult with an experienced Chicago railroad injury lawyer. A lawyer who is experienced will begin investigating the case immediately. This typically involves taking photographs of the accident scene, interviewing witnesses and inspecting the equipment or tools involved in the injury. As time passes, the process of establishing the basis of a FELA case is more difficult since witnesses may forget or evidence may disappear.