Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and Mesothelioma

Because of the work they perform railroad workers are exposed to numerous toxic substances. One of these toxic substances is asbestos that was used to line and insulate older train cars.

Unfortunately, these toxic substances can wreak havoc on the lung health of railroad workers. Our FELA lawyers assist victims of lung disease caused by railroads hold the companies accountable for their negligence.

Asbestos

While railroads have lost favor in terms of transportation in recent years as more people switch to cars, trains still have a crucial role to play in the nation's transportation network. As such, railroad employees have long been exposed to a variety of toxins that could influence their health. Our Boston railroad worker asbestos lawyers recognize that railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can be broken into tiny fibers that can be breathed into the lungs. These fibers can cause serious lung tissue scarring that can lead a number serious respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

A man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma following 30 years of working for the railroad and filed a class action lawsuit against union pacific railroad lawsuits against union pacific railroad Illinois Central Railroad. The railroad lawsuit settlements (see it here) allowed workers to work in dangerous environments, but did not provide him with safety equipment or warnings of potential hazards. He claims that he inhaled diesel fumes chemical fumes, dust, chemicals and powders, in addition to other particles, which affected the lungs of his.

Furthermore, the plaintiff claims that the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with adequate medical surgical, hospital, and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and illnesses. According to his complaint the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide employees with a safe working environment.

Diesel fumes

Diesel engine fumes can have a negative effect on the health of union pacific railroad lawsuit workers. In certain cases, these fumes can lead to lung disease like COPD. In the event that a machinist was exposed to diesel exhaust during work the employer did not provide the proper protective equipment. In the end, the man developed COPD and is now required to utilize oxygen tanks on a regular basis.

In the United Kingdom, where diesel engine exhaust is prevalent in workplaces like garages and bus depots the latest article published by The Guardian reports that "UK legal claims increase due to exposure to toxic diesel fumes." Diesel emissions contain high amounts of nitrogen oxides that can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and cause temporary symptoms like coughing or Phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes may also cause chest pain and wheezing.

In addition to diesel fumes, other contaminants found in the rail yard include chemicals, creosote, dust and powders. These pollutants are inhaled and may cause long-term issues like COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust as a certain carcinogen. The agency warns that exposure to diesel engine exhaust could increase the risks of bladder cancer for men and railroad Lawsuit settlements women.

Smoking

A railroad conductor has filed an occupational health claim recently, claiming that his continuous exposure at work to harmful chemicals led him to develop COPD. He says that his employer failed to provide him with adequate safety equipment, which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals on a daily basis. These toxins include diesel exhaust and fumes silica, creosote, coal smoke, metal dusts sulfur dioxide, benzene, dioxins, chemical degreasers and other airborne irritants.

The toxins can seep deep into lung tissue where they cause damage that can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD). This is a chronic condition which causes breathlessness wheezing and coughing that is persistent, weight loss, and in certain cases, asthma.

The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. provides compensation for railroad workers suffering from emphysema and other respiratory diseases caused by their work. 51. The law requires railroad companies to provide their employees with a reasonably safe place to work.

Unfortunately, this isn't always the reality. Railroad companies are aware of the dangers that come with their job However, they fail to protect workers. This is what FELA was created to be accountable for. If you've been diagnosed with a medical condition linked to your railroad experience, get in touch with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer that has handled successfully FELA cases.