Railroad Leukemia Attorney
Railway workers have consistently been exposed to a variety of carcinogenic substances and chemicals such as asbestos, creosote, diesel exhaust, and silica over the years. The exposure to toxic substances can often lead to highly debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases for workers, including leukemia. A railroad leukemia lawyer may be able to assist you if you or a family member have been exposed to chemicals in the railroad industry.
It is likely that all railroad workers have been exposed to carcinogens at some point during their careers. It can be difficult to determine whether their leukemia or other illnesses are linked to chemical exposure in railroad yards. Experienced railroad injury attorneys may be able to examine your situation and determine whether you have a legal claim.
What Cause Leukemia in Railroad Workers?
Benzene is among the primary causes of leukemia and other blood and bone marrow disorders. When exposed to air, this liquid is colorless, flammable, and has a sweet odor. Although some of this substance occurs naturally, most concentrated levels of it are made by humans.
Chemicals including diesel exhausts and vapors, pesticides, lubricants, and solvents may contain benzene. With the growing awareness of the hazardous substance’s carcinogenic nature, some materials no longer contain it, and some manufacturers have stopped using it. There is no safe level of benzene exposure for railroad workers, despite constant exposure to hazardous substances through the inhalation of diesel fumes and other sources.
Different Types of Leukemia
The following cancers may result from exposure to benzene while working for a railroad:
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Though OSHA limits the amount of benzene that can be used in the workplace, benzene exposure even at low levels can be hazardous. The railroad companies may also fail to protect workers from exposure to dangerous substances, or ensure that significant amounts of dangerous chemicals are not released into the atmosphere. A railroad worker suffering from leukemia due to hazardous materials and substances may benefit from consulting a leukemia attorney for railroad workers. If you have been exposed to benzene, contact a benzene lawyer.
What Compensation Can Railroad Workers Receive?
Workers on railroads are exempt from state worker’s compensation laws under federal law. Chemical exposure or other illnesses resulting in leukemia are the exclusive cause of action for railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. A person injured while working on a railroad can sue their employer if the negligence of their employer led to the injury or illness.
Leukemia victims must prove that their illness was caused by their employers’ negligent behavior if they contracted leukemia as a result of chemical exposure. Here are some examples of possible negligent behavior:
- Inadequate training regarding handling chemicals and safety precautions
- Insufficient safety equipment provided
- Hazardous materials are used in everyday work
In a FELA case involving railroad workers who develop leukemia and other diseases due to exposure to harmful substances, all of these types of negligence might be present. An injured or ill worker can seek compensation for their losses if they are able to prove negligence on the part of the employer. FELA claims can often be proved with the assistance of a railroad benzene exposure attorney.
Contact a railroad leukemia lawyer today
Claims under the FELA may rely on establishing the causal relationship between leukemia and railroad duties. Due to the frequency of benzene exposure in rail-yards, workers could develop leukemia or other similar severe diseases without adequate training or safety equipment. Railroad workers might be able to get compensation for their losses through the FELA claims process with the assistance of a railroad leukemia lawyer.
A patient who suffers from a serious injury or illness may suffer extensive damages, including medical bills, future medical costs, lost income, and more. Leukemia, for example, can be permanently debilitating and even fatal. If a railroad worker develops an illness or injury due to chemical exposure, they should seek legal advice and guidance as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation now.
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How Are Railroad Employees Exposed To Lead?
Various aspects of railroad work can expose railroad workers to lead. For example, lead paint, which is now outlawed, is still present on many railroad bridges, structures, and other equipment. When welding metal locomotive or train car parts, welders may also encounter poisonous lead.
Disturbing or removing lead paint can cause lead particles to become airborne and rub off on workers’ hands. As a result, workers can breathe in and ingest lead, as well as transfer lead dust from their hands to their mouths through smoke, eating, and drinking. Lead particles that are small are easier for workers to absorb into their lungs and bloodstream.
Train workers can bring lead dust home on their hands, equipment, and clothes, which puts their families at risk. Workers who don’t shower and remove all clothing and tools before going home put children and pregnant women at risk. So, it’s imperative that you take necessary precautions to keep others from getting lead poisoning.
How Does Lead Exposure Affect Our Health?
Short-term exposure to railroad lead can lead to flu-like symptoms, including stomach cramps, fatigue, headaches, and muscle or joint pain. By identifying and eliminating lead exposure, workers may be able to reverse these effects.
Constant exposure can lead to nerve damage, brain damage, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and even congenital disabilities and reproductive problems.
Workers who suffer from prolonged lead exposure may be entitled to compensation from their employers. Depending on the situation, injured workers may have a valid claim if their employers exposed them to lead unnecessarily. Injury victims can seek damages from their employers with the help of a railroad lead poisoning attorney.
Railroad workers’ FELA and negligence claims
For railroad workers, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is the exclusive remedy for on-the-job injuries and illnesses. State workers’ compensation benefits are not available to them; instead, they must file FELA claims. Injury victims must prove negligent conduct on the part of their employers to claim benefits, unlike with the no-fault worker’s compensation system.
The employers of railroad workers could be held responsible for exposing them to lead in a number of ways using various methods. Here are some examples:
- Failure to provide workers with adequate safety gear to prevent exposure
- Exposing workers without adequate ventilation to lead point in confined spaces
- Not establishing and implementing safety protocols to minimize lead exposure
In the event of a finding of negligence, workers may be entitled to compensation for their injuries or illnesses. Whether or not they are able to work, the damages may provide them with much-needed medical care and income.
Contact a Railroad Lead Exposure Attorney Today
The best course of action if you believe you were exposed to lead while working for a railroad is to seek medical attention for a physical examination and blood tests. A railroad lead exposure lawyer may be able to evaluate your claim once your doctor confirms the presence of lead. To make the process go more smoothly, prompt action can be taken to get a medical diagnosis and initiate a claim for damages under FELA.
An injury or illness caused by work is devastating. Defending your rights to benefits may enable you to improve the financial position of your family. To learn more about your legal rights and options, please contact us now.
If you or a member of your family has been injured or diagnosed with a railroad related disease, Please contact one of the members of our team if you have any questions. Call (855) 205-9689 or fill out or short contact form.