Railroad workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing diesel fumes, asbestos, toxic chemicals, and solvents. A growing number of workers with cancer have received multi-million dollar awards after filing FELA lawsuits.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting railroad induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our FELA Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
U.S. Supreme Court Takes On Railroad Cancer Lawsuit
February 10, 2017 — The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to tackle a jurisdictional dispute in lawsuits involving railroad workers with cancer and other injuries. Click here to read more.
$7.5 Million Awarded to Railroad Worker With Cancer
September 30, 2016 — A railroad worker with leukemia has been awarded $7.5 million by a jury in Illinois. He blames his cancer on years of unprotected exposure to creosote and other toxic chemicals on the job. Click here to read more.
Illinois Jury Award $3.1 Million in Lung Cancer Lawsuit
In February 2015, a jury awarded $3.1 million to the family of Paul McGowan, a railroad worker who died of lung cancer in 2003 after being exposed to asbestos in the 1950s.
$58 Million Awarded in Dioxin Chemical Exposure
In the 1980s, a jury in Illinois awarded $58 million to 47 railroad workers who were exposed to the deadly chemical TCDD or “dioxin.” It is one of the most powerful carcinogens — even tiny amounts are known to cause cancer.
Lung Cancer and Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust produces benzene, a toxic chemical known to cause lung cancer. In one study of 55,000 railroad workers between 1959-1996, the risk of lung cancer was 40% higher for workers who operated trains.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Railroad workers have a higher risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was so widely-used for decades. Possible sources of exposure include sealing cement, gaskets, brake pads, brake lining, clutches, floor tiles, and more. Roundhouse workers may have been exposed while cutting or sanding asbestos-containing materials.
Railroad Cancer Lawsuits
Our law firm is reviewing cases involving current or former railroad workers who were diagnosed with any type of cancer at any time, whether they are currently working or not. Here is a list of list of jobs involving trains and how workers may be exposed to carcinogens.
Common Types of Cancer
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Bone cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Mesothelioma
- Skin cancer
- And more
Do I Qualify to File a Lawsuit?
You may qualify if you were diagnosed with cancer after working for a railroad. This includes engineers, conductors, switchmen, carmen, track maintenance workers, machinists, clerical workers, and other occupations.
FELA Lawsuits
All railroad workers or employees — even those who did not work on trains — must file a lawsuit under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). This law was created in 1908 by lawmakers who understood that railroad work is inherently dangerous and employees should be compensated for injuries that occur on the job.
No Cap on Damages in FELA Lawsuits
There is no cap on damages in FELA lawsuits. Because railroad injuries are often extremely serious or involve death, the damages awarded are typically higher than a traditional workers’ compensation claims.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
There is nothing that can undo cancer. If you file a lawsuit, you can hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Our lawyers can help you seek compensation for your injury, medical care, lost income, or wrongful death of a family member.
Do I have a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting railroad induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our FELA Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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