Railroad Lawsuit - Exposure to Toxins Causes Emphysema and Mesothelioma Due to their work, railroad workers can be exposed to harmful toxins. Asbestos, which was used in older train cars to line them and insulate them, is one such toxic substance. Unfortunately, these hazardous substances can cause serious damage to the lung of railway workers. Our FELA lawyers help those suffering from lung disease on railroads hold companies accountable for their actions. railroad lawsuits Although railroads have fallen out of favor as a mode of transportation in recent decades as more people switch to automobiles, trains have a crucial role to play in the nation's transportation network. Railroad workers are exposed to toxins for a long period of time, which could negatively impact 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 can be broken into tiny fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs. These fibers can cause severe scarring of the lung tissue, which can cause a variety of serious respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer. For example, a man diagnosed with mesothelioma following a career on the railroad for over 30 years has filed an Illinois Central Railroad lawsuit. He alleges the railroad knowingly let him work in hazardous conditions without providing adequate protective equipment or warnings about possible dangers. He claims he inhaled creosote and diesel exhaust, dust, chemicals, powders and other particulates that affected his lungs. Additionally, the plaintiff claims the Illinois Central Railroad failed to provide him with the proper medical surgical, hospital and therapeutic treatment for his injuries and ailments. According to his lawsuit the railroad violated its Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) obligation to provide its employees with a safe working environment. Diesel fumes Diesel engine fumes can have a negative effect on the health of railroad workers. In certain cases the fumes can cause lung diseases like COPD. In the case where a machinist had to breathe in diesel exhaust while working the employer did not provide adequate protection equipment. The man was diagnosed with COPD as a result and now utilizes oxygen tanks each day. In the United Kingdom, where diesel engine exhaust is common in workplaces such as garages and bus depots, an article recently published by The Guardian reports that UK legal claims increase due to exposure at work to the toxic diesel fumes. Diesel emissions contain high levels of nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to humans. Nitrogen oxides can cause irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat, and can cause short-term symptoms, such as a cough or Phlegm. Inhaling diesel fumes could cause chest discomfort and wheezing. In addition to the diesel fumes and other pollutants, others that can be found in certain rail yard areas include chemicals, creosote, dust and powders. These toxins are inhaled, and could cause long-term health issues such as COPD or lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified exhausts from diesel engines as carcinogens. The agency warns that there are indications that exposure to diesel engine exhaust may increase the risks of bladder cancer for women and men. Smoking A railroad worker filed an occupational illness claim recently and claims that his long-term exposure at work to toxic chemicals caused him to develop COPD. He claims that his employer failed to provide him with proper safety equipment, which allowed him to breathe in hundreds of chemicals every day. These toxins include diesel exhaust and fumes, silica, creosote, metal dusts, coal smoke, sulfur dioxide, benzene chemical degreasers, dioxins and other airborne irritating substances. The issue with these poisons is that they're capable of piercing deep into the lung tissue, which can cause damage and eventually cause chronic obstructive lung disease or COPD. The chronic illness can cause shortness of breath wheezing, chronic coughing and weight loss. In certain instances, it can also cause asthma. The Federal Employers Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. provides compensation for railroad workers suffering from respiratory illnesses caused by their work. 51. This law requires railroads to provide their employees with a reasonably safe place to work. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Railroad corporations are well aware of the risks associated with their work however, they are often unable to protect workers. FELA was established to hold railroads accountable for their mistakes. If you've been diagnosed with a medical condition linked to your railroad career, contact an expert mesothelioma lawyer who has successfully handled FELA cases.
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