Leukemia Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers transport goods and passengers throughout the United States. As a result, they are frequently exposed to carcinogenic chemicals and substances like asbestos, silica, creosote, diesel exhaust as well as solvents.
This exposure to toxic substances can lead to life-threatening diseases like leukemia. Railroad employees are able to bring lawsuits under Federal Employers Liability (FELA). A FELA lawyer who is knowledgeable can help railroad workers recover compensation.
FELA
Former railroad workers are at higher risk of developing lung cancers and colon as well as the kidney, brain, and blood. These workers include brakemen and yardmasters, conductors, engineers and engineers as and track maintenance technicians, employees of the crew and office personnel. They were exposed carcinogens, such as creosote asbestos, and diesel exhaust. A knowledgeable attorney can help establish that these conditions led to a diagnosis of leukemia, and create a complete FELA case.
Unlike workers' compensation, FELA allows railroad employees to sue employers for negligence. Additionally, the value of an FELA award for an incident involving cancer in the railroad is usually higher than what is paid out via workers' compensation. This is because the FELA award includes damages for non-economic losses, like suffering and pain. An experienced attorney could interview the client, their family members and acquaintances to get an idea of the severity of this suffering.
Asbestos and other carcinogens have been linked to mesothelioma and other cancers. Many of these chemicals were employed by railroad companies, even though their manufacturers realized or should have been aware that these exposures could cause mesothelioma and various other cancers. A jury handed down $7.5M to the railroad worker who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), after prolonged exposure to the toxic chemical creosote.
Benzene
Benzene, a non-colorless liquid that has a distinct scent, is used in the making of lubricants and gasoline. It is a recognized carcinogen that means it causes cancer in lab animals and humans. In particular, exposure to benzene has been associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma.
These illnesses can be fatal. They can also trigger debilitating and life-altering symptoms for those affected. Certain patients suffer from a condition called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) where the white blood cells are destroyed. People who develop this condition may experience fatigue, pain and other symptoms due to the condition.
As a result, people who suffer from such conditions may be entitled to compensation. This could include funds to cover medical expenses and lost income. In some cases railroad workers can get compensation for losses that are not economic such as suffering and pain.
Every day, many railroad workers are exposed benzene or other dangerous substances. Most often, this is because of a lack adequate safety equipment or training. A FELA claim can help those who have been exposed to benzene or other harmful chemicals on rail yards get the financial compensation that they deserve. The compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages and future medical costs. It may also cover non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is a natural mineral that binds to form a fiber that is lightweight and virtually indestructible. It is utilized in a variety of types of construction materials due to it is fire-proof, sound-proofing and water-resistant. Asbestos can also be produced very inexpensively and capable of being transformed into numerous different products. bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement employed it for brake shoes, insulating materials and other components of trains. Sadly, the railroad companies did not realize the long-term health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma as well as lung cancer and asbestosis are among the most prevalent diseases resulting from exposure asbestos. These diseases have long latency periods, so railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos may not develop symptoms until decades after exposure.
Asbestos breaks down into microscopic fibres which can be inhaled. When railroad workers breathe these fibers into their lungs they can get lodged within their tissue. Over time the fibers could cause asbestosis and mesothelioma - a deadly type of cancer that affects lung lining.
If you are a current or former railroad worker who developed bladder colon kidney, esophageal gynecological and respiratory cancers; blood cancers, such as leukemia and multiple myeloma; or asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, consult an expert FELA lawyer. A FELA lawyer can evaluate your case to determine whether there is an entitlement.
Diesel Exhaust
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to diesel exhaust. Trains travel across America to carry people and goods. Every year, American railroads move 30 million travelers and 1.6 billion tons of freight. This includes trucks, cars chemical, oil, grain, lumber and many other items.
Diesel exhaust is a complicated mixture that includes carbon and soot, along with more than 40 organic chemicals known to cause cancer. Soot particles are especially dangerous because they can be breathed deeply into the lungs and taken in. Soot particles may also stick to other chemicals in the exhaust, causing them to become more toxic.
Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause health issues such as asthma and heart disease, as well as lung cancer. Additionally, it could cause a myriad of problems, such as irritation of the eyes and throat, wheezing and trouble breathing, and can make allergies worse.
Excessive exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of leukemia in railroad workers. This is because it contains benzene which is one of the most harmful chemicals. It is a liquid that is colorless, flammable and has an unpleasant odor. It is typically found in gasoline, but can also be found in other products such as glue, paint and detergents. Benzene can affect the bone marrow, affecting blood production and can cause leukemia and multiple myeloma.