Railroad workers face unique occupational hazards compared to many other industries in that they frequently work with dangerous and toxic substances. Crews, conductors, engineers, and other railroad employees can come in contact with hazardous toxins that may put them at risk for a number of malignant cancers. Unfortunately, colon cancer is a common diagnosis for railroad workers exposed to dangerous substances like asbestos, diesel exhaust and silica dust. Equally distressing is the fact that these diagnoses may sometimes have been preventable if not for the railroad company’s violation of workplace safety standards. If you were diagnosed with a serious illness due to long-term work on the railroad, a Pennsylvania railroad colon cancer lawyer could help you pursue compensation. It is best to speak with an experienced railroad injury attorney who can explain your legal rights and help you get the compensation you need.
Asbestos is by far one of the most common hazards railroad workers face. These dangerous fibrous particles are found everywhere from old railroad buildings to inside the cabs of rail cars. While the Occupational Health and Safety administration prohibited asbestos decades ago, railroad companies kept incorporating the substance into insulation, equipment, and locomotive parts.
Numerous studies have linked consistent asbestos exposure to the development of a wide range of cancers, including colon cancer. Colon cancer can also arise from prolonged exposure to silica particles, a substance that railroad employees are often exposed to from railbeds and sanders. Silica or silicon dioxide is a well-known carcinogen, which inflicts damage to the cell structure and can eventually lead to malignant cancer. Diesel exhaust is also an established carcinogen in railroad workers. Exposure to diesel locomotive exhaust has been found to cause colon cancer.
Railroad companies have a legal responsibility to employees to take sensible measures to prevent injury or harm. Companies that continued to use hazardous substances in a way that exposes their workers despite federal guidance may be answerable for damages incurred by their employees. A seasoned Pennsylvania attorney could help someone whose colon cancer was caused by the railroad company’s negligence seek compensatory damages from the responsible employer.
There are several distinct symptoms that can be signs of colon cancer, including blood in bowel movements, difficulty expelling waste, the constant urge to use the bathroom, and mysterious weight changes. In addition to exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace, a person may also face a heightened risk of colon cancer if they are over the age of 50, do not exercise, have chronic intestinal issues or a genetic predisposition.
A person who is diagnosed with colon cancer may be required to undergo a range of treatment methods, including surgery to extract the tumors, gene therapy, radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments not only take an immense physical toll but result in significant financial strain.
A skilled Pennsylvania attorney can help someone diagnosed with colon cancer after railroad exposure files a claim for compensatory damages. These damages may be wide-ranging, including the person’s special damages such as medical bills and wage loss, as well general damages for things like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
If you received a colon cancer diagnosis and believe that your diagnosis is directly attributable to the railroad company’s careless conduct, you may have a valid claim for damages. A Pennsylvania railroad colon cancer lawyer can fight hard to hold the railroad company liable if negligent misconduct led to your cancer. To learn more about what forms of compensation may be available, schedule your case consultation today.
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