Colon Cancer Caused by Railroad Work

Railroad workers are exposed hazardous chemicals on a regular routine. It has been proven that this can cause cancer and other serious health issues.

Asbestos and diesel exhaust, for instance have both been linked with colon cancer. Exposure to certain metal-working fluids and pesticides, as well as solvents can increase risk of colon cancer.

Exposures

Railroad workers are exposed harmful substances on a daily routine. Many of these carcinogens can be linked to cancer or other chronic health issues. Former and present railroad workers who suffer from cancer or other chronic illnesses can be eligible for compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

For example, a widow of a retired railroad employee claimed that her husband's death from stomach cancer caused by asbestos was a result of his work at CSX Transportation Inc. She alleges CSX did not provide the proper safety equipment to shield him from inhaling asbestos fibers while washing, sanding and painting materials that contained the hazardous material.

Another FELA claim concerns Railroad Cancer Settlements workers who were exposed to coal dust, creosote and other harmful agents on the job. These chemicals can lead to leukemia, blood cancers, and lung diseases.

Benzene, a poisonous chemical, is found in a wide range of products used by the railroad. This includes fuel and solvents. Studies have linked benzene to a variety of cancers, including colon cancer. A lawyer for railroad cancer can determine whether the illness that you are suffering from was caused due to exposure to dangerous chemicals while working and file a claim on your behalf. Federal law limits your time to make claims. It is therefore important to consult an attorney immediately.

Diagnosis

Railroad workers are exposed to various toxic chemicals and fumes while working. The fumes from welding, asbestos diesel exhaust, as well as weed-killers like Imazethapyr or dicamba can cause colon cancer. Railroad workers who suffer from an illness related to their work could be eligible for compensation through an action under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

An attorney for railroad accidents will be able to assist you with this claim. FELA which was passed in 1908 requires railroads to pay for injuries sustained while on the job. This includes injuries like the diagnosis of cancer, and it can offer significant compensation.

A widow in Illinois sued CSX Transportation Inc. at the end of 2016, alleging the company failed to implement the necessary safety measures to prevent the death of her husband's stomach cancer, which then metastasized to colon cancer. The plaintiff, Ruth Frieson, claims that her husband's exposure asbestos and toxins as a result of his work at CSX caused the cancer and ultimately his death. The jury heard testimony from two doctors in rehabilitative medical therapy as well as industrial hygienists, the wife of the plaintiff, as well as his medical oncologist. They all claimed that diesel exhaust, asbestos and a lifetime of smoking contributed to the cancer. However, the jury gave a verdict in favor of the railroad defendant after just under three hours of deliberation.

Treatment

If you've been diagnosed with colon cancer because of your railroad work it is crucial to seek legal advice right away. Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) railroad workers who are injured are allowed three years from their diagnosis to bring a lawsuit.

Depending on the manner in which your cancer was diagnosed, there could be a variety of issues when bringing a lawsuit against a railroad. For instance, in some instances, it could be difficult to pinpoint precisely the date and time of the exposure because many of these chemicals have a lengthy half-life.

The jury will take into account a number of aspects when determining the amount of compensation you will receive for your injuries. Loss of income, medical costs as well as the pain and suffering are all aspects that the jury will take into consideration. You may be entitled compensation for wrongful deaths if your loved one is killed as a result.

In a recent instance, an ex-railroad worker claimed colon cancer developed as a result of the continuous exposure to asbestos, Railroad Cancer Settlements diesel exhaust and other toxic chemicals while on the job. He claimed that railroads were not in compliance with FELA safety standards. However, the court ruled that the plaintiff didn't conduct a "reasonably diligent" search for information regarding his disease. The jury decided that he didn't have sufficient evidence to back his claim.

Damages

Railroad workers and people living near railyards are exposed to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals like asbestos and diesel exhaust. Our Houston railroad exposure attorney could assist you in obtaining compensation if you have developed illnesses related to this exposure. You may also be entitled to compensation to cover the loss of wages and costs for caregivers. Additionally, you can seek damages for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment life, emotional distress and more.

Our firm won the defense verdict of a jury in a Federal Employers' Liability Act case on behalf of a railroad client. The plaintiff claimed that he developed kidney cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma because of his work-related exposure to creosote diesel exhaust and other toxic substances when working for the railroad as a locomotive engineer. The jury returned a verdict for defense after deliberating for less than one hour.

In another FELA lawsuit Our lawyers won an order of summary judgment in favor the railroad that was being sued. The case was brought by a former train conductor. The lawsuit claimed that he contracted lung cancer as a result of his work on the railroad and was caused by exposure to asbestos and other toxic substances. We argued that a prior release contract executed in connection with the settlement of his asbestos case barred the claim.