10 Facts About Railroad Lawsuit Emphysema That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood

Railroad Lawsuits For Asthma and Silicosis

Rail workers are exposed to many hazardous situations while working. These exposures can cause serious illnesses, like cancer or silicosis. A lot of these illnesses take years to develop.

The pneumoconiosis disease, also known as black lung, has affected thousands of coal miners. Some of these men are now fighting to obtain benefits.

Asthma

Diesel fumes are a frequent exposure for railroad workers and they can lead to serious health problems. Poor ventilation, soot accumulation inside train cabs, and working alongside locomotives may increase the risk of an employee getting asthma or respiratory ailments. Even a mild case of asthma can limit a railroad employee's ability to do certain tasks. A severe case of asthma can render a once reliable railroad worker ineffective at all. A New York railroad lawyer can assist railroad workers suffering from such conditions to pursue financial recovery.

FELA claims allow plaintiffs to seek compensation from the government for any adverse impact their asthma has on their lives, including the cost of medications as well as lost wages and other economic loss. However the success of a FELA claim must be substantiated by a worker who proves that their injuries were the result of a workplace exposure.

Residents living in the vicinity of CSX's railyard in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania filed a FELA lawsuit claiming that a lot of coal dust erupts out of the plant and covers homes and cars. According to the lawsuit, the dust irritates residents' eyes and lungs. The lawsuit states that CSX releases cancer-causing vinylchloride and burns it, which may affect water supply in the area.

Cancer

Cancer can be caused by a range of causes, including genetics and lifestyle choices. However, it could also be the result of exposure to certain harmful chemicals. For instance, regular exposure to vinyl chloride (a chemical that the Environmental Protection Agency classifies as carcinogen, may increase the chances of developing liver cancer, or other organ damage. Also, those who work in factories which produce vinyl products or other chemicals could be exposed to toxic substances that are released into the air during the process of production or transportation.

Bladder cancer lawsuit  of a cancer-causing chemical is asbestos that is found in insulation that is used on rail cars and in a number of other products. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma - the lung cancer that typically is fatal. If you develop mesothelioma as the result exposure to asbestos, you should consult an experienced railroad lawyer.

A retired railroad worker who was disabled due to a lung disease referred to as black lung may be eligible for disability benefits, a court has determined. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld conclusions of an administrative law judge as well as the Benefits Review Board that Olen Roberson was entitled to benefits that are typically given to coal miners who suffer from the same illness. Roberson's job required him connect and disconnect high-pressure air pipes that were positioned between coal cars. This caused coal dust to be carried into the air.

Injuries

Working on the railroad is a risky job that can cause shocking injuries or health damage from cumulative wear-and-tear. In contrast to other workers, railroad workers are covered by FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) which was passed in 1908 and allowing employees to sue their employers to recover compensation following an workplace accident.

Railroads are obliged to use reasonable care when operating of their property. They are required to keep it free from dangerous conditions that could cause injury to drivers or pedestrians on roads traversed by railroad lines. Railroads also have to inform drivers and pedestrians of the presence of their tracks and railroad cars and must ensure an extremely high level of security for those who cross or enter their railroad property.

Coal mines and train yards produce toxic dust and fumes that can cause irritation or permanent damage to the lungs of workers' eyes, ears, nose and throat. These dangerous conditions could be caused by poorly maintained machinery or the burning of coal, silica in the hoppers of locomotives and asbestos in older trains.

Exposure to carcinogens like chemical solvents, benzene and welding fumes can also cause cancer. Certain railroad workers have developed occupational illnesses that are difficult to diagnose and treat. If a railway worker suffers an illness or disease caused by work, they should consult a knowledgeable railroad injury attorney to learn more about their legal options.

Claims involving FELA

Railroad workers are highly skilled and are required to perform specific tasks which can cause severe injuries. The result of injuries caused due to the negligence of a train company can make it impossible for a worker to return to work and cause huge medical expenses. In these instances railroad employees who are injured are entitled to be compensated under the Federal Employees' Liability Act (FELA).

The statute of limitations for FELA is three years after the date of the injury or death. It takes time to examine and determine the severity of an injury. If an employee fails to take legal action within the three year period the case could be dismissed by the court.

In a FELA lawsuit, proving that the railroad was negligent is much easier than in traditional personal injury lawsuits. The plaintiff only has to prove that the railroad's negligent actions caused his or her injury. But,  cancer lawsuit  claim that they aren't accountable for the injuries by claiming comparative negligence.

Get in touch with an experienced Chicago railroad injury lawyer to protect the railroad employee's FELA claim. A seasoned attorney will begin investigating the case immediately. This usually involves taking photographs of the accident scene and interviewing witnesses. It may also involve looking over the equipment used in the injury. As  cancer lawsuit , it becomes harder to prove the basis for a FELA claim as evidence could disappear or witness memories fade.