A Railroad Settlement For Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Many railroad employees suffer from a variety of diseases and illnesses due to their exposure to toxic chemicals while on the job. The federal law referred to as FELA permits railroad workers to seek compensation for injuries and illnesses.
Railroad workers were exposed dangerous substances like benzene regularly. This chemical is found in diesel exhaust and fuel. It was also found on products employed by workers in the car department, locomotive machinists, and electricians working in railroad shops.
Benzene
It is a poisonous chemical that can cause leukemia, cancer and other diseases in those exposed to it for prolonged periods of time. It is used in the manufacturing of chemicals like solvents detergents degreasers, plastics coatings, paints, rubbers and gasoline. People who are involved in the manufacturing and shipping these types of products are at a high risk of developing AML.
Benzene is a gas that can be breathed in through its vapors, or inhaled through the skin. It can also be ingested by drinking or eating foods that are contaminated with it. Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys and brain, creating headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Benzene is harmful to bones and bone-marrow, which leads to the reduction of red blood cells. This can cause anemia. It can also trigger excessive blood loss and impact the immune systems which makes it difficult to fight off infection.
Many international and national organizations have studied the effects of benzene on the human body and have determined that it is a carcinogen. Researchers have discovered that benzene damages the DNA of cells and kills them, specifically the cells that are expected to become blood cells. This damage can eventually result in leukemia, which originates in the bone marrow and can spread to the body. This type of cancer can be fatal within a couple of months. A railroad settlement may aid in the payment of medical expenses as well as other costs related to AML.
Creosote
Many railroad workers are exposed to carcinogenic chemicals such as creosote, diesel exhaust and asbestos throughout their job. Yard workers in the railroad industry are especially susceptible to developing leukemia or other illnesses because of exposure to toxic chemicals. Leukemia affects bones and blood. It is a cancer that is aggressive that can cause severe and sometimes fatal illness. Leukemia usually starts in bone marrow. However, it can also spread to blood and other areas of the body.
The greatest risk is for railroad workers who are exposed to coal tar. The toxic chemical is used to preserve wood, and it's been reported to cause health issues in humans. Creosote is a poison that can be inhaled and absorb into the body. It has been reported that one rail tie can emit one-third of the creosote that it was applied with during its lifetime.
Residents of the Fifth Ward in Houston, Texas, are battling the Union Pacific railroad over the release of toxic creosote. The toxic substance leaked into the groundwater and infected the surrounding neighborhood. According to a lawyer representing the residents, creosote exposure has led to cancer clusters in their community. The lawsuit asserts that the railroad knew about the dangers and didn't take the necessary precautions to protect its workers.
Asbestos
Trains played a crucial role in the industrialization of America. However, this progress was not without cost, since many workers were exposed to hazardous chemicals. For instance, benzene may cause acute myeloid Leukemia (AML). AML is a cancerous type that attacks the bone marrow and blood. It is not curable and it can quickly cause death for a person. Other toxic chemicals that have been associated with railroad work include creosote, as well as asbestos.
Asbestos is an extremely dangerous material that was used in steam locomotives and diesel engines among other things. It is a slender fibrous substance that can get into the lungs, causing mesothelioma. This cancer is aggressive and affects the linings and linings of all organs. Exposure to asbestos can also put railroad workers at risk for lung cancer as well as other respiratory issues.
A FELA lawyer can assist people get compensation for their injuries. The firm can assist a family bring an action against a former employer. Lawyers can also offer advice on whether a claim should be filed. Contact us today to set up an appointment. We offer services to clients in Texas. We have handled cases involving diesel exposure in the form of benzene exposure, diesel exhaust, and asbestos exposure. We are dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive maximum compensation.
Injuries
Railroads transport 30,000,000 travelers and 1.6 Billion Tons of freight each year, which includes grain automobiles and chemicals. These carcinogens can put workers at greater risk of developing cancer.
The railroad industry has a responsibility to ensure that its work environment is safe and free from dangerous chemicals, warn workers of any hazards and correct them if they are present. If the railroad does not fulfill this obligation, they could be held accountable for injuries resulting from negligence.
A FELA claim can result in damages to pay medical expenses as well as lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. There is a lot of help for railroad workers injured suffering from life-threatening illnesses such as acute myeloid leukemia.
Our team of lawyers has extensive experience in representing railroad workers who suffer from occupational diseases, including toxic exposure to benzene. Contact us today to learn whether we can help claim compensation for your losses. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation that they deserve. We operate on contingency, which means that you won't have to pay any fees until we win your case or settle it. Call now for a free consultation.