Pennsylvania Railroad Asbestos Lawyer

Working for Pennsylvania’s railroad comes with many risks especially exposure to toxic chemicals and other substances. The most common type of risk to railroad workers includes exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a popular substance used on the railroads to insulate pipes and to line brake pads. While asbestos is naturally occurring, it contains millions of small fibers that can break off and float through the air. When a person breathes in these fibers, they can become lodged in the lungs causing serious health problems. When railroads allow this substance to affect the health of their employees, they may be liable to provide compensation. A seasoned Pennsylvania railroad asbestos lawyer could help to hold these employers responsible for how their actions have affected the health of their workers. Seek help from a knowledgeable railroad injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

How Are Railroad Claims Handled?

Every workplace has a moral duty to ensure that its workers can perform their jobs in a reasonably safe environment. To aid in this concept, most workplaces carry a requirement under Commonwealth law to obtain workers’ compensation insurance plans. The railroads, however, are a major example of companies that are exempt from this requirement.

Under the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA, railroad companies are directly liable for any injuries that affect their employees. However, unlike workers’ compensation claims that apply regardless of who is at fault for an incident, injured workers carry the burden to show employer fault in FELA claims. A knowledgeable Pennsylvania railroad asbestos attorney could help to explain the duty of workplaces to keep their workers safe and what employees need to prove to collect compensation.

Why is Asbestos a Serious Hazard to Railway Workers?

Asbestos was once a common component in many major railroad parts. Asbestos is a powerful insulator that can limit the frequency of and control the spread of fires. Workers who interact with these components, or who are employed to remove this substance must have proper protection. Workplaces that fail to provide this protection place their employees at great risk of harm.

Scientists and industry experts recognize the health threat that asbestos poses to workers. Asbestos can easily aerosolize and float through the air. These particles then implant themselves in a person’s lungs or other organs, sometimes causing a cancer known as mesothelioma. This serious medical condition can threaten a person’s immediate and future health. The resulting damages can impact a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, and their ability to support their families. An experienced Pennsylvania railroad asbestos attorney could help to measure these losses and seek appropriate damages from employers.

Let a Pennsylvania Railroad Asbestos Lawyer Take the Lead

Few substances that a person may encounter in the workplace pose as great a threat as asbestos. This substance is widespread in the railroad industry, and even owners may not know about every affected location. This can lead to workers facing unexpected exposure that can have serious consequences for their health.

These people have the right to seek compensation for their losses. These losses can include the need for medical care, payments for emotional trauma, and reimbursement for lost wages. Federal laws require affected workers to pursue compensation through lawsuits instead of workers’ compensation claims. A Pennsylvania railroad asbestos lawyer could help to pursue these claims on your behalf. Call today to explore your options.