Cancer is one of the most common occupational diseases associated with railroad workers. In recent years, a number of multi-million dollar jury verdicts have been awarded to workers with cancer who filed FELA lawsuits.
Need a Texas Railroad Cancer Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Train Worker’s Cancer Lawsuit Heads to U.S. Supreme Court
February 10, 2017 — A Texas-based railroad company’s dispute with the family of a railroad worker who died of cancer is being taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. Click here to read more.
$7.5 Million Awarded to Railroad Worker With Leukemia
September 30, 2016 — A jury in Illinois has awarded $7.5 million to a railroad worker with leukemia. He blames his cancer on years of unprotected exposure to creosote and other toxic chemicals on the job. Click here to read more.
$3.1 Million Awarded in Lung Cancer Lawsuit
In February 2015, a jury in McLean County, Illinois awarded $3.1 million to the family of Paul McGowan, an employee of GM&O Railroad who was exposed to asbestos in the 1950s. He died of lung cancer in December 2003.
Creosote and Chemical Solvents
Coal-tar creosote is a wood preservative used to protect railroad ties. The risk of exposure is highest for maintenance-of-way employees. Studies have linked exposure to skin cancer and squamous cell carcinoma.
Diesel Exhaust and Lung Cancer
The risk of lung cancer increases for railroad workers who were exposed to toxic chemicals, solvents, welding fumes, benzene, and asbestos. One of the deadliest forms of benzene is produced by burning diesel fuel — a common source of exposure among railroad workers.
Asbestos Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer in tissue that lines your lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs. Railroad workers have a high risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was so widely used on trains. Possible sources of occupational exposure to asbestos include:
- Maintenance workers — Sealing cement and gaskets may have been contaminated with asbestos.
- Brakemen — Asbestos was used in brake pads, brake lining, and clutches. These parts wear down and expose workers.
- Roundhouse workers — Exposure in railroad shops, and repair shops may occur while cutting or sanding asbestos-containing materials.
- Conductors and yardmasters — Exposure in floor tiles and wallboards on public driving cabins and carriages.
Railroad Cancer Lawsuits
Current or former railroad workers with any type of cancer could be eligible for financial compensation. This is a list of list of jobs involving trains and how a person might be exposed to cancer-causing chemicals. Our law firm is reviewing cases involving:
- Bladder cancer
- Bone cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- And more
Am I Eligible?
You may be eligible for compensation if you worked as a railroad engineer, conductor, switchman, carman, track maintenance, machinist, or other jobs where you were exposed to carcinogens.
FELA Lawsuits
Railroad workers and employees of railroad companies who are injured on the job must file lawsuits under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). There is no cap on damages in FELA lawsuits. The injuries are often very serious, which is why awards are often higher than typical workers compensation claims.
How Can a Lawsuit Help?
Nothing can undo a diagnosis of cancer, but a lawsuit can help in many ways. The company that caused your injury is held accountable and may be forced to pay for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, permanent injuries, or wrongful death of a loved one.
Need a Railroad Cancer Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas railroad cancer lawyers for a free lawsuit review.