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Railroad Solvent Exposure Claims

As a railroad worker, you face hazards at work that most people will never encounter. One hazard that can cause serious health complications is exposure to cleaning solvents. Locomotives and train cars amass significant amounts of grime and filth while traversing the country, which requires the use of powerful chemicals and solvents to clean them. Unfortunately, these hazardous solvents could cause serious long-term health complications. A railroad injury lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation for the health complications you face due to chemical exposure. If you or a loved one are facing serious health complications due to exposure to toxic chemicals while on the job, you may have a claim for damages. A knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer could help you with railroad solvent exposure claims and work to help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Health Risks Associated with Solvent Exposure

Cleaning solvents are any chemical compound used to break up, soften, or dissolve another compound. Unfortunately, exposure solvents that are powerful enough to cut through the grease and grime collected in railroad engines can cause serious health risks. Inhaling or direct skin contact can cause serious health issues for a railroad employee.

Of all the chemicals that railroad workers are exposed to, benzene is one of the most dangerous. Benzene is particularly dangerous because the chemical evaporates quickly and inhaling even a small amount of the gas could cause serious harm. In a gas form, the chemical could be detrimental to anyone in the vicinity. The substance has also been found to be present in the exhaust of a train engine. Speak to a seasoned attorney to learn about filing a benzene exposure lawsuit.

Common Side Effects of Chemical Exposure

Some of the immediate effects of exposure to benzene or other chemical solvents include dizziness, headaches, tremors, confusion, irregular heartbeat, unconsciousness or drowsiness, and even death.

The long-term effects of exposure to solvents include:

Failure to protect railroad employees from the risks of exposure to these chemicals could be grounds for viable railroad solvent exposure claims for damages. To discuss the strength of a claim, contact a railroad injury attorney as soon as possible.

Federal Employers Liability Act 

Unlike most workplace injuries and illnesses, railroad workers have a specific federal statute mandating rules to seek compensation after an on-the-job injury. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is similar to the workers’ compensation system.

For non-railroad workers, in a workers’ compensation claim, an employee only needs to prove that they were injured while performing job-related duties. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that compensates employees without addressing which party is responsible.

FELA claims are different because railroad workers are only entitled to compensation if their seasoned railroad injury attorney can prove that the railroad company was negligent. Proving negligence in railroad solvent exposure claims can be an enormous undertaking, but an experienced attorney could help individuals with their FELA lawsuit claims and help them obtain compensation.

Reach Out to An Injury Attorney to Learn About Railroad Solvent Exposure Claims

If you suffered serious injuries and harm due to exposure to solvents such as benzene while working on a railroad, you might have a claim for compensation under FELA. A diligent railroad injury lawyer could help you seek compensation for damages. Call today to get started on your railroad solvent exposure claim.

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