Texas Railroad Mesothelioma Lawyer

The railroad has long been a means of economic growth and employment for thousands of people in Texas. Sadly, this industry is also highly hazardous, and it is not uncommon for workers to suffer severe injuries that jeopardize their overall health and ability to earn a living. While many of these injuries are easily identifiable, others are hidden and take the form of insidious disease. Mesothelioma is an unfortunately common example. This cancer results from exposure to asbestos, a material that was common in the railroad industry and can impact a person’s life years after they stop working. A Texas railroad mesothelioma lawyer could help connect your diagnosis to the time spent on the job and take the lead in seeking out appropriate compensation.

Why is Mesothelioma Common in Railroad Workers?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that often forms malignant tumors. This takes the form of a growth comprised of cancerous cells that attack the outer portion of many vital organs. Most commonly, mesothelioma affects a person’s heart, lungs, and stomach.

Mesothelioma generally results from exposure to carcinogens, such as asbestos. Sadly, asbestos was common in the railroad industry. This common fire retardant was used for insulation in many railroad components, and even those who do not work in the production or maintenance of these items might face consistent exposure. A Texas railroad mesothelioma attorney could help people who have received a diagnosis of malignant cancer connect that diagnosis to their time spent working for a railroad company. This help includes collecting medical records and speaking with experts who could make this vital connection.

Demanding Fair Compensation for Railroad Employees

Every person working in Texas deserves the opportunity to pursue a career free from the risk of harm to their health. While many jobs are inherently dangerous, the law says that workplaces cannot pose an unreasonable risk to a worker’s well-being.

For people who have suffered injuries or illnesses connected to their time spent working for the railroad companies, they have the right to pursue compensation through a lawsuit in a United States District Court. The Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA, says that people working for railroads do not have protection under state workers’ compensation laws. Instead, because the railroad industry so often crosses over state lines, the federal government oversees all demands for compensation.

A Texas railroad mesothelioma lawyer could take the lead in pursuing lawsuits in federal court on behalf of ill workers. These lawsuits connect a diagnosis of mesothelioma to exposure to asbestos while on the job. In addition, FELA states that a worker does not need to prove liability on the part of an employer for their injuries. The mere fact that a person received a diagnosis of mesothelioma after spending time exposed to asbestos while on the job can be sufficient to prevail in these cases.

These lawsuits can demand significant compensation from railroad companies. This includes paying for all needed medical care, compensation for lost income due to being unable to work, and payments for lost quality of life or ability to spend time with family.

Contact a Texas Railroad Mesothelioma Attorney for Your Next Steps

Pursuing a career with the railroad comes with many risks. Even if you manage to avoid injury due to machine accidents or derailments, your health may still suffer due to exposure to asbestos. This toxic substance can embed itself into your vital organs and cause malignant cancer called mesothelioma.

Federal law states that railroad companies are liable for their negligence in workplace injuries that affect their workers. A Texas railroad mesothelioma lawyer could help you pursue these cases in federal court and demand the compensation that you deserve. Reach out to legal counsel to learn what is possible in your case.