A Railroad Lawsuit For Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Railroad workers are often exposed to prolonged exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and substances such as creosote, benzene, and asbestos. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and believe your exposure to these chemicals at work caused it, you may be entitled to compensation.
The FELA law permits railroad workers to sue their employers for negligence. Contact a specific railroad lawsuit acute myeloidleukemia lawyer for more information.
Benzene Exposure
Benzene is a colorless, poisonous gas that can cause cancer to people who are exposed for long durations. It is naturally produced in the environment, and also through the combustion of gas and tobacco smoke. The skin can also absorb benzene. Railroad workers who have suffered from cancer as a result of exposure to benzene could be eligible to sue their employer for monetary compensation.
In one case a railroad worker who died widow was awarded damages of $1,500,000 from the company which employed him. Her husband was a pumpman on several tankers during the 1970s and 80s. He was often exposed to toxic benzene. After he died from acute myeloidleukemia in 1995 His wife filed a wrongful-death claim against the vessel's owner.
union pacific railroad lawsuit is a form of cancer that spreads quickly and can be fatal within just a few months after diagnosis if it's not treated. It is usually treated with chemotherapy. However, in some cases, targeted therapies and radiation can be utilized.
We obtained defense verdicts in 2 cases, where plaintiffs claimed that they suffered brain damage due to exposure to solvents during their 23-year career on the railroad. The defense presented expert evidence on medical causation and industrial hygiene and the jury determined that the work environment of the railroad was reasonably safe.
cancer lawsuit is a mix comprised of hundreds of chemicals that are used to preserve wood, such as railroad ties. It contains several known carcinogens including polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAHs in creosote can be taken up through the surface of the skin, or ingested by drinking water that has been contaminated with this chemical. PAHs are also absorbed through the lungs, and could cause lung cancer.
Inhalation exposure to creosote can cause a variety of symptoms that include eye irritation, respiratory irritation nausea and vomiting. It can also cause second and third degree burns to the skin. The coal tar creosote contains an amalgamation of PAH compounds like naphthalene and other carcinogenic compounds like Acenaphthene.
Creosote exposure can have a negative impact on the health of workers and their families. For instance, some employees have developed papular basal cell carcinomas that are common skin cancers that can spread to other areas of the body. Some have also suffered from chronic bronchitis, esophageal ulcers, and fibrosis of the liver and lungs.
The railroad industry often isn't able communicate effectively with employees on the dangers of a long-term exposure to toxic substances. For instance, it's not uncommon for railroad employees to leave diesel-powered engines, forklifts and cranes in operation while they work. Diesel exhaust from these engines could be inhaled and eaten. They also dip rags into solvents containing benzene to clean machinery and tools.
Workers' Compensation
Railroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer or another chronic illness due to exposure to toxic chemicals like creosote and benzene might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other damages. A New York railroad cancer lawyer could help workers pursue claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for financial damages.
Many health issues resulting from exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace like diesel fumes, asbestos and silica are not likely to appear until a person is older. In most cases, the statute of limitations lasts only three years after the first diagnosis. This is why it is important that potential victims get in touch with an experienced lawyer for railroad injuries immediately after being diagnosed.
In a lawsuit that was recently filed, Napoli Shkolnik PLLC was able to successfully defend a lawsuit filed against our client by an employee of a railroad who had been diagnosed with leukemia as a result of years of exposure toxic chemicals. The plaintiff alleged that the company was in violation of FELA by not providing employees with the appropriate safety equipment and education.
The jury gave the plaintiff $7.5 million in damages after finding that his cancer was linked to his work at the Chicago & North Western Railroad. The man was exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals, including benzene creosote, as well as degreasing solvents while working for the company.
FELA
When a former railroad worker is diagnosed with cancer due to exposure to toxic chemicals during their work, they may file a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA. Unlike workers' comp statutes which cover medical expenses as well as lost wages to victims, FELA is a statute based on fault that requires evidence of the railroad's employer failing to protect their workers from the dangers that come with exposure to chemicals.
Railroad companies are often involved in fighting FELA claims that involve occupational diseases. Their defense lawyers often argue that the former employee isn't able to identify specific instances of exposures that are harmful. They also highlight the absence of official tests that show the presence of carcinogens or toxins in equipment or parts used by the railway.
Leukemia lawsuit is awarded compensation for past and future physical suffering and pain, loss of enjoyment of life, psychological distress, and other related damages. If the victim dies as a result of their injuries or other causes, a wrongful-death claim could be filed to collect compensation for the deceased's family members.
At Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, we work with seasoned FELA lawyers to assist injured railroad workers receive the financial support they need. Contact us for a free consultation. We represent railroad workers across the country, including in New York City, Boston, Hartford, St. Louis, Denver, and other cities.