Colon Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals on a regular routine. This has been shown to cause various types of cancer and other serious illnesses.
For instance asbestos and diesel exhaust have both been associated with colon cancer. Exposure to certain metal-working fluids and pesticides, as well as solvents could increase colon cancer risk.
Exposures
Railroad workers are exposed to harmful substances on a daily routine. Many of these carcinogens have been linked with cancer and other chronic health issues. Present and former railroad workers who suffer from cancer or other chronic illnesses can be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).
A widow of a retired railroad worker said that her husband had died from stomach cancer caused by asbestos due to his work for CSX Transportation Inc.
Another FELA claim concerns railroad workers who were exposed to coal dust, creosote and other harmful agents on the job. These chemicals can cause leukemia, blood cancers, and lung diseases.
Benzene is a toxic chemical that is present in many products that are used in railroads, including fuel and various solvents. Studies have linked benzene to multiple cancers, such as colon cancer. A lawyer from the railroad industry will determine if the disease you are suffering was caused by exposure to harmful chemicals at work and make a claim on your behalf. Federal law limits the time you have to submit claims. Therefore, it is important to seek out an attorney as soon as you can.
Diagnosis
Railroad workers are exposed to many toxic chemicals and fumes during their work. The fumes from welding, asbestos, diesel exhaust, and weed-killers like Imazethapyr or dicamba, can all cause colon cancer. Railroad workers who are diagnosed with a condition that is related to their work may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).
An attorney for railroad accidents can assist you with this claim. FELA was passed in 1908 and requires railroads pay employees for injuries they sustain on the job. This includes injuries that result from the diagnosis of cancer, and it could provide an enormous amount of compensation.
A widow in Illinois sued CSX Transportation Inc. at the end of 2016, claiming the company failed to implement the necessary safety measures to prevent the death of her husband who died from stomach cancer that spread to colon cancer. The plaintiff, Ruth Frieson, claims that her husband's exposure to asbestos and toxins resulting from his work at CSX caused the cancer and death. During the trial, jurors heard expert testimony from two doctors of rehabilitative medicine as well as industrial hygienists, as well the wife of the plaintiff and his medical oncologist who claimed that exposure to diesel exhaust, asbestos, and a lifetime of smoking contributed to his cancer. The jury returned an verdict in the favor of the railroad after just over three hours.
Treatment
It is important to seek legal representation whenever possible in the event that you've been diagnosed with colon cancer because of your job at a railroad. Under the Federal Employers Liability Act, railroad workers who are injured can pursue a lawsuit within three years of diagnosis.
A lawsuit against a railroad could be complicated based on the manner in which you were diagnosed with cancer. For instance, in some cases, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly the date and time of the exposure since a lot of these chemicals have a long half-life.
The jury will look at a variety of aspects in determining the amount of compensation you can receive for your injuries. These include the loss of income, medical expenses and the pain and suffering you've endured. If your loved one passed away due to their injuries, you could also be entitled to wrongful death damages.
In a recent incident, an ex-railroad employee claimed that the cancer he developed was due to the constant exposure on the job to diesel exhaust, asbestos and other toxic chemicals. class action lawsuit against union pacific railroad claimed that railroads failed to comply with FELA safety standards. The court decided that the plaintiff did not conduct an "reasonably thorough" research to find out more about his disease. The jury determined that he didn't have enough evidence to support his claim.
Damages
Railroad workers and people living near railyards are exposed to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. If you've suffered from illnesses due to exposure, our Houston railroad exposure lawyer could help you obtain compensation. In addition to covering future and past medical expenses, you could be entitled to compensation for loss of wages and the cost of caring for your family. You may also be able to seek damages for emotional distress or pain and suffering and the loss of enjoyment your life.
Our firm obtained an appeal verdict in an Federal Employers' Liability Act case on behalf of an railroad client. The plaintiff claimed that he had contracted kidney cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma due exposure to toxic substances like creosote, diesel exhaust and creosote while working as an engineer of locomotive engines. The jury returned a verdict in defense after being deliberating for less that one hour.
In a separate FELA case the lawyers of our firm won a the summary judgment on behalf of the railroad in a lawsuit filed by a former freight train conductor. The lawsuit claimed that he suffered from lung cancer due to the work he did for railroads, and that it was caused by asbestos and other toxic chemicals. We were of the opinion that the claim was void due to the prior release agreement signed in connection with the settlement of an earlier asbestos case.