Colon Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers are exposed harmful chemicals on a regular routine. It has been demonstrated that this can cause a variety of cancers and other serious conditions.
Asbestos and diesel exhaust, for example have been linked to colon cancer. It has also been established that exposure to certain solvents, metal-working fluids, and pesticides can increase colon cancer risk.
Exposures
Railroad workers are exposed dangerous substances on a regular basis. Many of carcinogens are linked to cancer and other chronic health issues. Federal Employers Liability (FELA) offers compensation to railroad workers suffering from cancer or chronic illnesses.
For instance, a wife of a retired railroad worker claimed that her husband's death from asbestos-related stomach cancer was due to his job with CSX Transportation Inc. She contends that CSX failed to provide adequate safety equipment to shield the worker from inhaling asbestos fibres when sanding, washing and painting materials that contained dangerous material.
Another FELA claim involves railroad workers who were exposed to creosote, coal dust and other harmful agents on the job. These chemicals can lead to leukemia and other blood cancers and lung diseases.
Benzene is a toxic chemical, is present in a variety of products used by the railroad. This includes fuel and solvents. Studies have linked benzene with a range of cancers including colon cancer. A skilled lawyer for cancer of the railroad could determine if your illness was the result of work-related exposure to hazardous chemicals, and file an injury claim on your behalf. Federal law limits your time to file a claim. It is therefore important to consult an attorney immediately.
Diagnosis
Rail workers are exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals while on the job. Asbestos, welding fumes, diesel exhaust, and weed killers such as Imazethapyr and dicamba could all cause cancer of the colon. Railroad workers who are diagnosed with a condition related to their job could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).
An experienced railroad injury attorney can assist you in pursuing this claim. FELA which was passed in 1908 allows railroads to compensate for injuries sustained while on the job. cancer lawsuits could include cancer diagnosis and other injuries.
At the end of 2016, a widow in Illinois filed an action against CSX Transportation Inc. claiming that the company did not implement adequate safety measures to prevent her husband's death from stomach cancer which became colon cancer and metastasized. The plaintiff, Ruth Frieson, claims that her husband's exposure to asbestos and toxins from his work at CSX caused the cancer and his death. The jury heard testimony from two doctors in rehabilitative medicine, industrial hygienists and the plaintiff's wife and also his medical oncologist. They all claimed that diesel exhaust, asbestos and a lifetime smoking contributed to the cancer. The jury, however, gave a verdict in favor of the railroad defendant after just three hours of deliberation.
Treatment
It is important to seek legal representation immediately if you have been diagnosed with colon carcinoma because of your railroad work. Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) railroad workers who have been injured have three years from the date of their diagnosis to file a lawsuit.
Depending on the manner in which your cancer was diagnosed, there could be a number of complexities when bringing a lawsuit against railroads. In certain cases it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact duration of exposure to toxic substances because many chemicals have an extended half-life.
When determining how much you are entitled to for your injuries the jury will take into account several different factors. This includes the loss of income, medical expenses, and the pain and suffering you've endured. If your loved one has died due to their injuries, you could also be legally entitled to damages for their death.
In a recent case, an ex-railroad worker claimed colon cancer developed as a result of the constant exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust and other toxic chemicals while on the job. He claimed that the railroads had not complied with FELA safety regulations. The court ruled, however, that the plaintiff did not conduct a "reasonably thorough" search for information about 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 numerous carcinogenic and toxic chemicals including diesel exhaust and asbestos. If you've developed a disease due to exposure, our Houston railroad exposure lawyer can help you obtain compensation. You could also be entitled to compensation to pay lost wages and caregiver expenses. You may also be entitled to damages for emotional distress and pain and suffering as well as loss of enjoyment your life.
Our firm recently won a defense verdict in favor of a Class 1 railroad client in a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) case. The plaintiff alleged that he had developed kidney cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma because of his exposure to creosote, diesel exhaust and other toxic substances while working for the railroad as a locomotive engineer. Bladder cancer lawsuit returned a defense verdict after being deliberating for less that one hour.
In Bladder cancer lawsuit were able to obtain a the court's summary judgment on behalf the railroad in a suit filed by a former freight train conductor. The suit claimed that he was suffering from lung cancer as a result of his railroad work and was caused by asbestos and other toxic chemicals. We argued that an earlier release agreement signed in connection with the settlement of his asbestos case was invalid and barred the claim.