Ohio Railroad Diesel Fumes Lawyer

Sometime in the 1950s, most railroads in Ohio shifted from coal-burning engines to those that run on diesel fuel. While this may have been a beneficial change for employees, riders, and the environment, we now know that diesel fumes are highly toxic to those who are exposed to them. Especially for employees of the railroads, prolonged exposure to diesel fumes can lead to significant heart, lung, and brain damage. If a worker develops these symptoms after working around railroad engines, their employers may be liable to provide compensation. An Ohio railroad diesel fumes lawyer could help ill employees to pursue their claims against their employers. This involves demanding direct compensation through either a lawsuit in federal or state court or a claim brought directly with the railroad. Speak to a skilled railroad injury attorney to discuss your legal options for compensation.

The Rights of Workers to Demand Compensation

Every worker in Ohio deserves the ability to be able to earn a living for themselves and their families in a secure environment. Sadly, accidents and exposure to toxic substances do occur. This can result in debilitating illnesses that affect every aspect of a person’s life. Not only will they require extensive medical treatment, but they may never be able to work again.

For most employees, this means filing a claim against a workers’ compensation insurance policy. Unfortunately, the railroads are an example of an industry that does not need to provide this protection to their workers. Instead, the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA, provides that employees have the ability to directly sue their employers in state of federal court following a workplace injury or illness.

The FELA requires an injured or sick employee to demonstrate that their diagnosis was the result of employer negligence connected to the time spent on the job. An Ohio railroad diesel fumes attorney could help to make this vital connection in or out of court.

The Impact of Diesel Fume Exposure on Workers’ Lives 

The risks associated with long-term exposure to diesel fumes are well known in the medical community. Breathing in this substance can cause significant damage to a person’s lungs. Common examples of conditions include asthma, bronchitis, bladder cancer and lung cancer.

In addition, exposure can also affect other portions of a person’s body. Diesel fumes are a known carcinogen. Inhaling the fumes can affect a person’s heart, brain function, and even their immune system. Exposure will affect every person differently, and an Ohio railroad diesel fumes attorney could help to connect a diagnosis to workplace fumes.

An attorney could also assist individuals in measuring how the diagnosis has affected their lives. Of course, a claim will always seek compensation for the costs of medical treatment. However, many people will also endure a significant loss of quality of life as well as face the prospect of never being able to work again. This can account for thousands of dollars of indirect losses. An attorney could help to place an accurate value on a claim.

An Ohio Railroad Diesel Fumes Lawyer May be Able to Help You

Prolonged exposure to diesel fumes can result in a variety of serious health problems. It is not uncommon for people to ensure trouble breathing, brain damage, and many forms of cancer.

If you have been diagnosed after years of working for the railroad industry, an experienced lawyer may be able to help. They can work to explain the FELA and how it requires you to sue your employer for damages. They can also help to make the connection between a diagnosis and time spent working for the railroads. Together, we can aim to hold railroad companies liable to provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and a decreased quality of life. Reach out to an Ohio railroad diesel fumes lawyer today to see how they could work for you.