Railroad Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Railroad workers and others employed in occupations with exposure to asbestos are often at a high risk for devastating health effects. Exposure to this toxic substance, in any form, can result in asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and thickening of the pleural membranes that cover the lungs and provide support. Other diseases that have been associated with exposure to asbestos include cancer of the digestive tract, colon, larynx, esophagus, and kidneys. If you’ve been harmed as a result of asbestos exposure, you can turn to a seasoned railroad asbestos exposure lawyer from our firm for assistance.

 

It can take as many as 40 years after exposure for the effects of asbestos to become apparent with outward symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain. Those who are exposed the longest, as in the cases of railroad workers, are at the highest risk for developing these diseases.

Not only are those who work around asbestos or products that contain asbestos at risk, their families are also. Immediate families are exposed to asbestos through their contact with the clothing, skin, and hair of the person directly exposed, increasing their risk of developing an asbestos-related disease as well.

At Doran & Murphy, PLLC, we have represented hundreds of railroad workers and their families in cases of asbestos-related cancer and mesothelioma. A railroad injury attorney at the firm is a legal professional with extensive case and trial experience in these types of situations. We have devoted ourselves for the past two decades in helping clients achieve the most value possible for the damages they have suffered due to the negligence of others.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to hazardous materials, like asbestos, while working on the railroad, a railroad asbestos exposure lawyer could help you seek compensation. They could make the connections between the toxic material and your current health as well as utilize the relevant laws to hold your employer responsible for your damages. A diligent railroad injury lawyer could advise you of your options, protect your rights and help you seek justice.

How Does Working for the Railroad Lead to Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos is prevalent in many areas involved with working on the railroad. Since companies built the existing tracks and maintenance facilities in the early parts of the 20^th century, almost every part of these properties contains asbestos. Individuals could be exposed to asbestos in the air while performing an activity as simple as checking in for a shift. Other exposure risks may be even more severe.

Asbestos Hazards in the Air and Pipes

Conductors and engineers on the trains themselves may suffer injuries due to asbestos from the pipes and other lines that run through the cabin. Even worse, disturbing these pipes may cause the dangerous material to become loose in the air affecting all other workers on the train. These employees may even suffer injuries while off duty if forced to sleep overnight in a “YMCA”, or a railroad lodging house, where asbestos was prevalent. Since the exposure was due to their job duties, an injury may give rise to a claim for damages. An asbestosis lawyer could help with trying to secure those damages.

How Are Maintenance of Way Workers Exposed to Asbestos?

Maintenance of Way (MOW) workers may also suffer from asbestos-related injuries. Many of these employees may also get sick while performing maintenance on track equipment containing asbestos insulation. Asbestos was also used in brake shoes and track workers often breathed in this asbestos dust in their jobs. Asbestos had many other applications in MOW work. Asbestos pads, blankets, and gloves were used by track welders. Asbestos rope was used by track workers to heat rails when fixing “pull-aparts,” a common occurrence on the railroad. In that instance, asbestos rope would be soaked in diesel fuel, applied to the rail by hand, and then lit on fire to heat the rail.

Asbestos played a major role in the railroad industry for decades, and vulnerability to the hazardous material remains a risk to railroad workers. A skilled and local railroad asbestos exposure lawyer could review the facts of the case, as well as employees’ medical records, to prove the connection between their railroad jobs and their current medical conditions in court. An asbestos cancer lawsuit may be possible.

Speak to a Railroad Asbestos Exposure Attorney Today

Asbestos is a recognized hazard involved in working on the railroad. Almost any employee of a railroad may be vulnerable to this hazardous substance whether they work on the trains themselves, perform maintenance in a shop, or work on rail maintenance. Asbestos could create a variety of health complications. Many types of cancer can be caused by asbestos and other exposures on the railroad. These include mesothelioma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, throat or laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, and stomach cancer.

Obtaining compensation for an asbestos-related disease could be a complex matter. Railroad workers do not enjoy the protections of workers’ compensation laws. Instead, you must file a lawsuit against your employer alleging negligence that results in your injuries.

A railroad asbestos exposure lawyer could help you to pursue these claims. They could work to make the connection between asbestos exposure and your current health situation. They can then represent your interests in settlement talks and court to demand payments for your losses. Schedule a consultation with an asbestos lawyer today to learn more about exposure claims.