Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and Mesothelioma
Because of their work, railroad workers can be exposed to a variety of harmful toxins. railroad controls limited lawsuit of these toxic substances is asbestos which was used to line and insulate older train cars.
Unfortunately, these hazardous substances can be destructive to the lung of railroad workers. Our FELA attorneys help victims of lung diseases that are caused by railroads hold companies accountable for their negligent acts.
Asbestos
Trains are still a vital part in the nation's freight network, despite the fact that railroads have been losing popularity in recent years due to the increasing use of automobiles. As such, railroad workers have been exposed for a long time to various toxic substances that could influence their health. Our Boston railroad worker asbestos lawyers have observed that railroad employees are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Asbestos can be broken into tiny fibers that can be breathed into the lung. These fibers can cause serious scarring of lung tissue, which can lead to a number of serious respiratory ailments, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
For instance one man diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for more than 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. He claims that the railroad let him work in hazardous environments without providing appropriate safety equipment or warnings about possible dangers. He claims that he inhaled diesel fumes as well as chemicals, dust and powders, along with other particulates that affected his lungs.
The plaintiff claims that Illinois Central Railroad did not provide him with the proper medical treatment, hospitalization, medical and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and ailments. According to his lawsuit the railroad breached its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide its employees with a safe working environment.
Diesel fumes
The fumes generated by diesel engines can have a negative impact on a railroad worker's health. In some cases, these fumes may cause lung diseases such as COPD. In the case of one machinist who was exposed to diesel exhaust during work, his employer failed to provide the appropriate protection equipment. The man was diagnosed with COPD because of this and now utilizes oxygen tanks each day.
The Guardian reported in a recent article that in the United Kingdom, where diesel exhaust is typically found in places of work like bus depots and garages, there are "growing legal claims" regarding exposure to toxic diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust contains high levels nitrogen oxides, which are harmful to those who breathe it. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat. They can also trigger short-term symptoms like a cough or phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes can cause chest pain and wheezing.
In addition to the diesel fumes and other pollutants, others that can be found in some rail yard environments include creosote, chemicals, dust and powders. These toxic substances can be inhaled and cause long-term issues such as COPD and lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a definitive carcinogen. The agency warns that exposure to diesel engine exhaust may increase the risk of bladder cancer for both females and males.
Smoking
A railroad conductor recently filed an occupational ill health claim claiming that his prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals at work caused him to develop COPD. The claimant claims that his employer did not provide him with the proper safety equipment, which allowed him to inhale hundreds of chemicals every day. These toxic substances include diesel fumes, exhaust, silica dust creosote, and metal dusts found in coal smoke sulfur dioxide and benzene as in chemical degreasers as well as dioxins.
The toxins can seep deep into lung tissue where they cause damage, which can eventually lead to chronic obstructive respiratory disease (also known as COPD). This chronic illness causes shortness-of-breath wheezing, constant coughing and weight loss. In certain cases it may also trigger asthma.
Railroad employees who suffer from work-related respiratory diseases such as emphysema can receive compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), 45 U.S.C. 51. The law requires railroad companies to offer their employees an acceptable and secure place to work.
However this isn't always situation. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers they face in their job however, they are often unable to safeguard workers. FELA was established to hold railroads accountable for their negligence. If you've developed a medical condition that was caused by your railroad work, you should contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney who has successfully handled FELA cases.