New York Railroad Chemical Weed Spray Exposure

One of the biggest on-the-job hazards to railroad workers is exposure to toxic chemicals. Railroad track workers routinely use herbicides to kill weeds and vegetation along railway tracks, which contain dangerous chemicals. If you have developed a medical condition due to herbicide exposure, you may want to consult a skilled railroad injury lawyer. These exposures may cause various types of cancer such as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Leukemia, or other blood-related disorders. Harmful fumes and contact with weed spray on your skin can cause a myriad of medical problems, some of which are long-term and devastating. A New York railroad chemical weed spray exposure may be able to help you amass evidence in support of a claim against your employer based on negligence. Speak with a seasoned attorney to learn about how you could hold railroad companies accountable for their actions. Working with legal counsel may allow you to pursue legal relief while keeping your focus on your physical and mental health.

What Are Common Side Effects of Chemical Weed Spray Exposure?

Roundup, the well-known weed killer that has dominated the news in recent months, has been in use as a common herbicide since 1974. This weed spray contains glyphosate, which is a toxic chemical that is harmful to humans if inhaled or ingested. When individuals are exposed to large amounts of glyphosate, they can suffer side effects and develop severe medical conditions.

Immediate effects of exposure to glyphosate and other chemicals typically found in weed killer spray can include vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, and stomach pain. The long-term effects of weed spray chemical exposure, however, are far more severe. Exposure to glyphosate, which is a carcinogen, has caused various types of cancer, including Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Leukemia.

Additionally, studies have linked exposure to glyphosate and the chemicals found in weed spray to birth defects, reproductive issues, kidney disease, and heart disease. Especially when workers routinely are exposed to large amounts of these chemicals, railroad chemical weed spray exposure in New York can result in debilitating illness and disease. Contacting a railroad injury attorney under these circumstances may be wise.

Are Railroad Workers Eligible to File Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Most workers who develop illnesses or injuries on the job look to their state worker’s compensation system for benefits. However, railroad workers are not eligible for state worker’s compensation benefits. As a result, their exclusive remedy is through the Federal Employers’ Liability Act or FELA.

Worker’s compensation benefits claims do not require proof of fault by the employer. On the other hand, railroad employees must provide evidence of employer negligence to obtain benefits under FELA. If employers were negligent in exposing railroad workers to herbicides containing dangerous chemicals, and injury or illness resulted, workers may be entitled to relief.

For instance, if railroads failed to institute safety rules and procedures for handling herbicides for their workers, they may be liable for the resulting harm to the worker. Likewise, if employers do not provide their workers with adequate safety gear and instruct them on how to prevent chemical exposure, they may be liable under FELA.

Seeking Damages for Compensation in New York

If railroad workers qualify under a FELA claim related to chemical weed spray exposure, they may be entitled to a variety of benefits. These damages may include compensation for damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

A diligent attorney could calculate an injured claimant’s damages and help them seek compensation for their injuries due to chemical weed spray exposure.

How a New York Railroad Chemical Exposure Attorney Can Help

When you have developed a severe and life-threatening illness due to the negligence of your employer, you have a right to seek compensation for your losses. You may be suffering from the consequences of chemical exposure for the remainder of your life. A New York railroad chemical weed spray exposure may be able to help you hold your employer accountable for their wrongful conduct in exposing you to harm.

Although you can expect a specific measure of risk when you work for a railroad, your employer can take steps to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals. When they fail to do so, you may be eligible for financial benefits under FELA. With the help of a dedicated attorney, you can hold negligent railroad companies accountable for their actions and seek compensation for your damages. Call today.