Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and Mesothelioma
Because of their work, railroad workers can be exposed to various toxic substances. One of them is asbestos, which was used to insulate and line older train cars.
Unfortunately, these harmful substances can cause serious damage to the lung of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers help those suffering from lung diseases caused by railroads hold corporations accountable for their wrongful actions.
Asbestos
Although railroads have been criticized as a transportation mode in recent years as more people turn to cars, trains still play a significant role in the nation's freight network. This is why railroad employees have long been exposed to various toxins that can influence their health. Particularly our Boston railroad worker asbestos exposure lawyers highlight that railway workers are usually at risk for developing lung diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Asbestos is broken down into microscopic fibers which can be inhaled into lungs. These fibers can cause serious lung tissue scarring that can lead a number serious respiratory diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.
A man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last 30 years of service for the railroad, has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Central Railroad. The railroad allowed him to work in hazardous environments, but not providing protection equipment or warnings about potential dangers. He claims that he breathed creosote, diesel exhaust, powders, chemicals, dust and other particulates that affected his lungs.
Moreover, this man says the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with adequate medical, hospital, surgical and therapeutic care for his injuries and illnesses. According to the lawsuit, the railroad violated their Federal Employers Liability Act duty to provide a safe work environment for their employees.
Diesel fumes
Diesel engine fumes can have a negative effect on the health of railroad workers. In some cases they can cause lung diseases such as COPD. In the case of a machinist who was exposed to diesel exhaust at work his employer did not provide proper protective equipment. In the process, the man was diagnosed with COPD and has to use oxygen tanks every day.
The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is often found in workplaces like bus depots or garages there are "growing legal claims" concerning exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains significant amounts of nitrogen oxides which are harmful to those who breathe it. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. mesothelioma lawsuit can also cause short-term symptoms such as a cough or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes could cause chest discomfort and wheezing.
In addition to diesel fumes, other contaminants found in the rail yard include chemicals, creosote dust and powders. These toxins are inhaled, and can cause long-term health issues such as COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified exhausts from diesel engines as carcinogens. The agency warns that there are indications that exposure to diesel engine exhaust may increase the risk of bladder cancer, both for women and men.
Smoking
A railroad conductor recently filed an occupational disease claim claiming that his exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer failed to provide him with the proper safety equipment which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of compounds each day. These poisons include diesel exhaust and fumes silica, creosote, coal smoke, metal dusts sulfur dioxide, benzene dioxins, chemical degreasers, and other airborne irritants.
Multiple myeloma lawsuit with these toxic substances is that they are capable of piercing deep into the lung tissue, which causes damage and eventually lead to chronic obstructive lung disease or COPD. This chronic condition causes shortness of breath wheezing, constant coughing and weight loss. In some instances, it can also cause asthma.
Railroad employees who suffer from workplace-related respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, asthma, or other may be eligible for compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) 45 U.S.C. 51. This law requires that railroads offer their employees a place of work that is reasonably secure.
Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Railroad corporations are well aware of the dangers associated with their work however, they are often unable to protect workers. Lymphoma lawsuit is what FELA was designed to make them accountable for. If you suffer from medical conditions that are linked to your railroad career seek out a seasoned mesothelioma attorney who has handled FELA cases successfully.