Colon Cancer Settlements For Railroad Workers

Asbestos and diesel exhaust, for example, can cause colon cancer among railway workers. Shop workers who make use of degreasers or solvents that contain carcinogens such as benzene may be at risk.

In a case brought in New York Supreme Court, successfully obtained summary judgment on behalf of a railroad client. Plaintiff had claimed that his bladder cancer was caused by exposure to occupational radiation.

FELA Lawsuits

All railroad employees, Railroad Injury including conductors, engineers maintenance employees, construction workers and other crew members are covered by the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). In contrast to claims for workers' compensation, FELA suits do not have a cap on damages. This allows injured railroad workers to claim compensation for medical treatment loss of wages, other losses.

Railroad companies usually settle FELA cases prior to going to trial. This could be in order to reduce legal fees or to think that they are responsible for the worker's injury. But it is crucial for any employee who receives a settlement offer to consider the terms of the agreement carefully. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA lawsuits could evaluate the settlement offer and compare it to the precedents of previous legal precedents to ensure the railroad worker gets what they deserve.

Contrary to workers' compensation, FELA lawsuits need the injured person to prove that their employer was negligent. FELA claims are more contentious because of this. In addition to proving that the employer was negligent, the plaintiff will likely require expert testimony about their injuries and how they affected their lives. In addition, it is common for lawsuits to take months or even years to reach a verdict. During this time, a pre-settlement finance company can provide financial assistance to cover the costs.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

The term "hazardous" refers to chemicals that possess inherent properties that negatively affect the health of humans as well as the environment. Chemical exposure to toxic chemicals can result in short-term or long-term effects on health. Certain chemicals are so harmful that they can be lethal to animals and humans in very small amounts. These are known as carcinogens and acute toxins. Certain chemicals are less harmful but they present a risk to humans due to their potential for harm. Chemicals can be identified as toxic by their chemical names, or their pictograms as well as hazard declarations in their Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Some of the most dangerous railroad-related hazards can cause cancer asbestos and diesel exhaust fumes. Asbestos was employed in railroads until 1982, when its toxicity was widely recognized. The fumes from locomotive diesel trains are also a common risk cause for COPD which could be life-threatening.

Other forms of cancer are caused by exposure to toxic substances and chemicals on the job. These include creosote, lead, and degreasing agents. A widow in Illinois filed an FELA suit following the death of her husband from stomach cancer. She believes it was the result of his exposure to railroad chemicals. She says CSX Transportation Inc. did not take enough measures to protect the worker from hazardous working conditions.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

A colon cancer diagnosis can be a stressful experience for families. This is especially the case when it results in a long time away from work and increased medical bills. An award of money from an employer may aid in settling these bills and ease financial stress.

The Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers to sue for occupational illnesses such as colon cancer, even if they've not worked in trains for a long time years and were exposed to the substance long ago. A railroad injury lawyer could prove that a person's job exposed them to substances known to cause this type of cancer, including welding fumes or diesel exhaust metal-working fluids and pesticides such as Imazethapyr and DiCamba.

In a tragic case, a Kline & Specter customer went to a doctor for rectal bleeding. He was misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids. A colonoscopy could have saved his life. In 2016 a jury in Delaware County awarded his widow an $8.25-million verdict. Hughes Law Offices shares this case with our clients to inform them of the various settlements and verdicts for railroad employees who develop colon cancer because of work exposure to toxic chemicals.

Contact Us Today

Railroad workers have been known to suffer from serious health issues such as cancer. It is crucial for former employees who has been diagnosed with an illness that is serious to act quickly and find an experienced attorney. The sooner a lawyer who is specialized in railroad cancer can begin preparing a claim the better the chances of receiving a substantial settlement.

If a lawsuit for colon cancer is successful, a former railway worker could be awarded compensation for past medical bills, future treatments, lost wages and costs of caregivers. Damages may also be awarded for emotional distress as well as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment.

A skilled lawyer for colon cancer in the railroad can explain how exposure to dangerous substances, such as asbestos and diesel exhaust, in the workplace could be a contributing factor to a diagnosis. For instance, a railway shop worker might have been exposed to asbestos fumes or welding fumes while an engineer on a rail maintenance crew might have been exposed to weed killers containing Imazethapyr and Dicamba.

The legal team at Hughes Law Offices can assist victims of cancer obtain an appropriate financial settlement for their injuries. We have a team that includes lawyers, investigators, and experts to ensure the most favorable outcome for your case. Contact us today to get started. We provide free, confidential consultations.