Emphysema Railroad Lawsuits

Long-term exposure to diesel fumes and asbestos can cause serious lung diseases, such as Emphysema settlement. Our FELA lawyers are dedicated to helping them obtain justice.

Our firm successfully represented an engineer from Toledo, Ohio suffering from laryngeal carcinoma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The jury awarded damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act. The Emphysema railroad cancer settlements appealed.

Diesel Exhaust

Diesel exhaust is a complicated mixture of gases, vapours and aerosols that contains various harmful substances. It also includes carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. Diesel fumes are made up of fine particles that are able to be breathed and can get into the lungs. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause a variety of health issues, including breathing difficulties, eye and nasal irritation, headaches and nausea, loss in coordination, and even cancer and lung disease.

Diesel engine exhaust contains hundreds of chemicals, including those which are known to cause certain cancers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is an arm of the World Health Organization, has classified the carcinogenicity of diesel exhaust to humans.

The classification of the IARC for diesel engine exhaust cites research on occupational health that demonstrates a link between diesel fumes exposure and respiratory diseases such as lung cancer. Smoking and lifestyle choices related to work, such as working for long periods in poorly ventilated spaces or enclosed spaces can exacerbate these impacts.

Diesel engines utilize Diesel Exhaust fluid to reduce diesel exhaust emissions. This is a mix of urea, water and other components. Urea is a byproduct of mammals' metabolic processes and is found in their urine. During the Diesel Exhaust Fluid manufacturing process, it is combined with other materials and then heated in a catalytic convertor to create ammonia and isocyanic acids.

Asbestos

Railroad workers were regularly exposed to asbestos in the air which was a heat-resistant, fire retardant mineral. It was extensively used in a wide range of rail-related products, Emphysema railroad lawsuits such as locomotives, train cars and train brakes. When these products deteriorate, they release tiny, micro-sized asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers could cause serious lung diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Despite knowing that asbestos can cause illness and even death to their workers, rail corporations did nothing to limit the exposure. This is a clear violation of the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA.

Asbestos is composed of naturally occurring fibers that are incredibly strong and heat-resistant. These fibers are able to remain airborne days after being disturbed. This allows people to breathe in the fibers. Inhaling asbestos fibers can get deep into the lungs and cause permanent lung damage. Asbestosis and other asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to manifest. They can be mistaken for other illnesses, making it difficult to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages.

Compensation is due to railroaders with mesothelioma and other related ailments. They put their lives and energy into a career that was brutally degraded and denied them the pleasure of their golden years. Doran & Murphy's lawyers are able to help families receive the compensation they deserve.

Malpractice

Railroad workers may be suffering from serious diseases like COPD or Emphysema railroad injury. If you've developed these illnesses or others as a result of working on the railroad, then you may be entitled compensation under FELA. We can assist you in determining whether your case is viable, and we can make a claim on your behalf.

In one FELA lawsuit, we were able to get a settlement on behalf of a railway conductor that was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma of years spent in cabs and breathing diesel exhaust. The FELA suit claimed that railroad negligence was at fault for the exposure of the conductor to toxic particulates.

Many of the chemicals employed in railroads are toxic and cause certain illnesses. However, railroad companies are not held responsible for the damage caused by their products. A skilled attorney could review your case and attempt to secure the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to under FELA. Our firm has handled a broad range of railroad injury claims and will be able to answer all your questions in a free consultation. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Wrongful Death

When a person dies as result of the negligent acts, infractions or misdeeds of another, the family members can bring a wrongful death Emphysema lawsuit. It is a civil Emphysema lawsuit that is subject to a lower proof standard than a criminal trial. Victims can claim compensation. The family members who survived can seek economic damages, as well as non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and even a portion the victim's estate.

Some states have laws governing the types of damages that can be awarded for wrongful death cases. Some states allow it to be left open. In the case of wrongful death, Emphysema Railroad Lawsuits it is common to include money for funeral and burial costs as well as lost wages, emotional distress, loss of consortium and punitive damages.

As we have already mentioned, FELA allows victims of lung cancers and lung diseases caused by work, such as obstructive pulmonary disease to hold railroad companies accountable. However, often the most serious negative health effects aren't evident until 20-30 or even 40 years after a person has stopped working on the railway.

A lot of claims filed under FELA also cover wrongful death lawsuits. The estate of a deceased individual may bring both a wrongful death claim and a survivor action, in which they can seek compensation for medical expenses and loss of companionship and other economic and noneconomic losses that occurred prior to the death of the victim.