Colon cancer lawsuit settlements move 1.6 billion tonnes of freight and carry 30 million people every year. Many times, employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals that can cause serious health issues as well as life-threatening illnesses such as cancer.
A railyard lawyer can assist injured workers in claiming compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. FELA allows former and current railroad workers to pursue their employers' negligence that caused cancer or other illnesses.
FELA
The Federal Employers Liability Act is a statute which allows railroad workers to sue their employers if they suffer injuries at work. As opposed to workers' comp which does not require an employee to prove negligence on the part of the employer, FELA claims are based on the assumption that railroad companies have to provide safe working conditions for their employees and educate their employees to work in a safe way.
This includes ensuring the correct training, maintenance of property, tools and other safe equipment. If the railroad fails in this responsibility, employees may be exposed dangerous and cancerous materials that could cause serious injuries or illnesses. Railroad workers injured and their families, may be able to recover damages for lost wages, medical expenses in the future, emotional stress as well as pain and loss.
Railroad exposure can result in various illnesses and injuries, including mesothelioma, leukemia (multiple myeloma) lung cancer and mesothelioma. Many railroad workers have been diagnosed with occupational diseases that can aggravate existing health issues like fibromyalgia or spinal injuries.
The exposure to dangerous chemicals every day caused by railroad companies has hurt many families. Fortunately, New York railroad injury lawyers assist injured workers and their families make FELA claims to receive financial compensation for medical expenses and other expenses. This compensation can't undo the damage, but it will alleviate your worries and offer some justice.
Statute of limitations
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with kidney disease, cancer or other diseases because of their exposure to chemicals or toxic fumes must consult a knowledgeable lawyer for railroads immediately. Federal law provides these workers with the right to pursue compensation, even if the disease occurs decades or years after their last employment with the railroad.
For instance railroad worker James Brown was awarded $7.5 million in damages as a result of his acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that developed from exposure to chemicals at Chicago & North Western Railway and Union Pacific Railroad Co. for a period of 18 years and 13 years respectively. Brown's job included installing rail tie, washing equipment, and cleaning rail ties. He was required to wear dirty clothing which allowed the chemicals such as creosote to soak into the body.
The FELA statute of limitations for cases such as these involves the discovery rule which states that the three year clock does not start until the railroad worker is aware or reasonably should have known that their illness is related to work. This is a reason why railroad workers should seek out a knowledgeable railroad cancer lawyer as soon as they can.
In railroad back injury settlements to the possibility of a railroad settlement for those suffering from leukemia, victims may also claim compensation for lost wages in the past and the future medical expenses not covered by insurance or pain and suffering and loss of companionship. A mesothelioma lawyer can provide an informal consultation to examine the case.
Pre-existing Conditions
Rail transports 30 million passengers each year and 1.6 billion tonnes of freight. This includes cars, trucks and other vehicles, along with grains, chemicals, wood products metal ores, food products and lumber. However, railroad workers are also exposed to a range of carcinogens and toxic chemicals which put them at risk of contracting life-threatening illnesses like leukemia.
Throughout the years, rail workers have been exposed to toxic substances such as asbestos creosote (as well as diesel exhaust) and benzene. Many have worked in workshops where diesel-powered locomotives, forklifts and cranes were running continuously and caused fumes to fill the work areas. Workers also dipped rags into cleaners that contained benzene to wash tools and parts.
Railroad workers are at higher risk of developing lung diseases such as COPD. Multiple myeloma settlements could lead to heart attacks and strokes, as well as cancer. Multiple myeloma settlements can worsen all kinds of respiratory diseases and makes a person 35 times more likely to develop lung cancer.
It's important that you tell your lawyer that you suffer from a medical condition. Insurance companies will ask you about your medical background. If Multiple myeloma settlements lie or withhold information, this could affect the amount you'll receive as settlement. If you are honest with your attorney and your attorney, you'll be able answer all of their questions and keep them from discovering any information that could be detrimental to your case.
Attorney Fees
Rail workers are exposed carcinogens like benzene and asbestos. If they are diagnosed with cancer or a serious illness, they could bring a lawsuit to recover compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). The amount of a railroad leukemia settlement can vary depending on several factors that include the length of time the worker was exposed. A FELA lawyer for cancer who is certified can assist a railroad employee determine the value of their claim, and negotiate with insurance companies to receive an appropriate amount of compensation.
In one case our railroad cancer lawyers successfully defended an railroad client in a FELA suit claiming that exposure of diesel exhaust and toxic chemicals resulted in oropharynx cancer in the plaintiff. The judge granted summary judgment, finding that the statute of limitations had expired prior the plaintiff's diagnosis, and that his claims were barred by an earlier release agreement.
If you've been diagnosed with railroad cancer or have any other health issues related to your work-related exposure, call us today to schedule an appointment for a no-cost legal consultation. We'll examine your medical records and other documents to determine the amount the railroad settlement leukemia may be worth. We can also discuss if you are eligible for additional compensations, such as lost wages in the past or in the future and medical expenses that aren't covered by insurance.