Cancer Caused by Railroad Jobs - How to Get a Settlement
Many thousands of workers working in various railroad jobs are exposed carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) throughout the course of their careers. This includes asbestos and coal tar.
Exposure to these chemicals could lead to blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. These kinds of cancers affect bone marrow, and can result in serious debilitating illnesses.
FELA
A century ago, Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) because lawmakers recognized that railroad workers face serious dangers while on the job and that if employers fail to protect their employees from harm, they have the right to compensation. FELA is like in many ways the state workers compensation law. However, it offers an even more comprehensive remedy including damages for pain and discomfort, loss of enjoyment of living, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Many former or current railroad workers who suffer from blood cancer, like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, throat cancer and colon cancer; bladder kidney, esophageal and bladder cancer; or lung disorders like mesothelioma believe that their condition is related to exposure to toxic chemicals while working. These chemicals include benzene. It is still used in insulation materials of older locomotives and railroad cars and creosote, which is a chemical used to preserve railroad ties.
These chemicals can be consumed or inhaled through contact with skin or through breathing, and they can also accumulate in body fat. As a result, there are often years or even decades between exposure to these dangerous chemicals and a diagnosis of cancer caused by that exposure. Because of this delay, it is difficult to link a specific disease or illness with the work a person did on the railroad.
Negligence
Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act over a century ago to ensure that railroad workers could be compensated for work-related illnesses and injuries. Many of these ailments, such as cancer, result from exposure to dangerous chemicals and substances. Based on the type and severity of the illness victims may seek damages for medical expenses including past and future expenses for treatment and lost income, reduced earning potential and other losses.
A blood cancer lawyer from the railroad will assist the victim to prove that their cancer was directly caused by toxic substances they were exposed to. To be able to prove this, an attorney must demonstrate that railroads are aware of the risks to the worker's safety, but did not warn them or take any other precautions.
Railroad workers are exposed to diesel fumes, welding fumes, asbestos, silica sand, as well as asbestos. These substances are known carcinogens that could lead to long term illnesses like obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney, lung, bladder and colon cancers, leukemia, multiple myeloma and mesothelioma.
Railroads typically offer settlements before cases go to trial, or during a trial. This can save the company time and money, however it is essential to carefully examine a settlement offer to ensure that it will provide sufficient compensation for all expenses resulting from a condition. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement can evaluate an offer to see how it compares with the legal precedents and other court rulings in similar circumstances.
Damages
You could be eligible for a settlement in the event that you worked in the railroad industry and were diagnosed with cancer, or other debilitating illnesses. Many railroad workers were exposed to carcinogenic chemical such as benzene, creosote. These chemicals are typically present in the exhaust of diesel that locomotive engineers, conductors and machinists come in contact with on a regular basis. They are also present in the ties that employees of the train track department use to connect railroad tracks. These harmful substances can cause mesothelioma which is one of the types of cancer that affects the lungs and other organs.
Railroad exposure has been linked to numerous blood cancers including leukemia and lymphoma. These hematologic tumors start in the bone marrow where blood is produced. Railroad workers have been diagnosed with bladder, lung and kidney cancers, too.
Often, railroads will try to settle cancer cases before they reach trial. It can be beneficial to both parties. However it is crucial that you consult with an experienced railroad cancer lawyer before settling on any settlement offer. They can review the situation to determine whether it is fair and will offer adequate compensation for a victim's future needs. They can also compare the case with precedents from the past to determine if the offer is worth accepting. This can help prevent the victim from signing an arrangement that doesn't adequately address his or her financial, medical or other needs.
Settlements
The Federal Employers Liability (FELA) Act gives railroad workers the legal right to sue their employers if they suffer a disease related to workplace exposures. This includes asbestos-related cancer chemical solvents, benzene and other carcinogens that are prevalent in the railway industry. It also covers workers who have health issues for the long term because of exposure to diesel exhaust, welding fumes silica sand, and other harmful substances.
Settlements are made between the injured person and the railroad. They are a trade of risk in exchange for the assurance of a settlement, so when you choose to accept one, it's important that you consult with a lawyer to be sure you get a settlement that is fair and satisfies your future requirements. An attorney who is experienced with FELA claims can assess the settlement to determine how well it compares to legal precedents and other factors that may impact its worth.
An attorney specializing in benzene can assist you in filing a claim for damages. The symptoms of exposure to benzene include blood cancer as well as nervous system disorders anemia, excessive bleeding and other disorders. A lawyer who specializes in benzene will review your medical records and determine if you are eligible to submit a claim. In the meantime, if you're struggling financially in the midst of waiting for an agreement for your case, you may be eligible for pre-settlement funds from USClaims.