For decades, railroad workers were routinely exposed to asbestos while working in locomotive shops, rail yards, maintenance facilities, and around railroad equipment. Many workers were never warned about the dangers of asbestos exposure and were not provided proper protective equipment. Decades later, many railroad employees developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one worked for the railroad and have mesothelioma, you have important legal rights under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The disease often develops decades after exposure occurred, which means many retired railroad workers are only now learning that their illness may be connected to their railroad employment. Â
Mesothelioma most commonly affects the lining of the lungs, but it can also affect the abdomen, heart, and other organs.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages because symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure.
How Were Railroad Workers Exposed to Asbestos?Â
For many years, asbestos was widely used throughout the railroad industry because it resisted heat and fire.Â
Railroad workers may have encountered asbestos in:
- Locomotive insulation
- BoilersÂ
- Pipe coverings
- Brake components
- Gaskets
- Engine compartments
- Rail car materials
- Machine shop equipment
- Industrial insulation products
- Transite boards used in signal housesÂ
Workers often inhaled microscopic asbestos fibers while repairing equipment, performing maintenance, or working in enclosed railroad facilities.
Common railroad occupations associated with asbestos exposure include:
- Machinists
- Carmen
- Pipefitters
- Boilermakers
- Conductors
- Engineers
- Electricians
- Laborers
- Shop workers
- Signal department employees
- Mechanical department employees
Can Railroad Workers Sue for Mesothelioma Under FELA?
Yes. The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers to pursue compensation when the railroad’s negligence contributed to an occupational illness or injury.
In many railroad mesothelioma cases, allegations may include:
- Failure to warn workers about asbestos dangers
- Failure to provide protective equipment
- Failure to monitor asbestos exposure
- Use of asbestos-containing materials despite known risks
Railroad companies may be held responsible if their negligence contributed in any way to the worker’s asbestos-related illness.
Compensation Available in Railroad Mesothelioma Cases
Under FELA, railroad workers diagnosed with mesothelioma are entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Families who lose a loved one to mesothelioma may also have wrongful death claims under FELA.
Time Limits for Filing a Railroad Mesothelioma Claim
FELA claims are generally subject to a three-year statute of limitations. However, asbestos-related diseases often involve complicated legal issues regarding when the worker first discovered the illness and its connection to railroad employment.
Because these deadlines are critical, railroad workers and families should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Railroad Companies Knew About Asbestos Dangers
Railroad companies were aware of asbestos health risks back in the 1930s and cancer risks back in the 1950s. Â
Despite this knowledge, many railroads ignored the hazards and allowed employees to work around dangerous asbestos-containing materials without adequate safety measures.
Today, workers and families affected by mesothelioma deserve accountability and answers.
Why You Need an Experienced Railroad Mesothelioma Lawyer
FELA asbestos claims are aggressively defended by railroad companies. These cases require detailed investigation and a strong understanding of railroad operations, occupational disease litigation, and toxic exposure evidence.
An experienced railroad mesothelioma attorney can help:
- Investigate asbestos exposure history
- Preserve important evidence
- Work with medical experts
- Pursue maximum compensation under FELA
Contact a Railroad Mesothelioma Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a family member developed mesothelioma after years of railroad work, you have important rights under FELA.
Our railroad cancer lawyers represent railroad workers and families nationwide in asbestos exposure and occupational cancer cases. We understand the devastating impact mesothelioma and cancer can have on workers and their families.
Contact us today by email or by telephone at 1-800-374-2144 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your railroad mesothelioma case and learn more about your legal options. Our railroad mesothelioma attorneys have decades of experience and a proven track record of success!Â
