When you receive a cancer diagnosis, it can be devastating, as you may feel like your world is shattering. However, learning that your cancer was caused by your time spent working for a railroad company can be even more upsetting. Many worry about whether or not they can receive compensation since they did not discover the illness until years after their employment. If you only recently were diagnosed with an illness that can be connected to your time on the railroad, understanding how a railroad cancer lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve is critical.
What Illnesses are Common for Railroad Employees?
Many railroad employees are exposed to hazardous carcinogens during their employment, which can lead to several illnesses. These substances include the following:
- Silica dust
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Diesel Fumes
- Solvents
- Creosote
- Asbestos
When railroad workers are exposed to these materials, it can lead to several severe illnesses. Most commonly, workers are diagnosed with some form of cancer. These include bladder, lung, liver, colon, and esophageal cancers. Additionally, workers can develop lymphoma, leukemia, pulmonary fibrosis, and scleroderma.
Will FELA Cover Me if I Discover My Illness Years Later?
Because cancers can take a while to develop, many workers worry they will not be able to file a Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) claim because the diagnosis comes after the statute of limitations has passed for this issue.
In most FELA cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the accident date. However, because a cancer takes a long time to develop from the time the worker is exposured to a carcinogen, workers have three years from the date they were diagnosed or started suffering the effects of the exposure to file a claim under FELA.
It’s important to understand that FELA claims help provide financial compensation to those who become injured or ill because of their employer’s negligence. For example, if your employer failed to inform you of the dangers of interacting with these substances or did not show you how to handle them in a safe way, leading to continuous exposure, they can be held liable for your medical expenses and other funds under FELA.
Why Do I Need an Attorney for This Process?
Unfortunately, you may find that your former employer will do everything in their power to avoid compensating you for the medical bills and suffering you’ve endured as a result of your life-altering diagnosis. As such, fighting against a large company can be overwhelming, and you may not receive a favorable outcome.
If you are diagnosed with cancer or another illness that can be linked to your time spent working for a railroad company, it’s critical to understand your right to recover compensation under FELA. However, as this can be a complex and overwhelming process, the team at Doran & Murphy is ready to represent you. We understand how hard it can be to navigate a lawsuit while also dealing with the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of cancer. That’s why our team is ready to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your health while knowing that your case is in good hands. Contact us today to learn more.
