Union Pacific Railroad Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Among various other occupational injuries and illnesses, railroad workers across the United States have an especially high risk compared to workers in most other industries of contracting mesothelioma. This is a form of cancer usually centered in the lungs that can also affect the stomach. This risk primarily comes from how commonplace exposure to asbestos is for railroad workers, as well as how many railroad companies failed to protect employees from the hazards associated with their work. If you are currently suffering from any illness caused by asbestos inhalation while working for Union Pacific, even in part, you might want to speak with a qualified attorney about your options for pursuing financial compensation. A knowledgeable Union Pacific railroad asbestos exposure lawyer could help you understand and effectively enforce your rights in this regard. This is possible even if it has been years since you were last employed by this company.

How Are Railroad Workers Commonly Exposed to Asbestos?

In decades past, asbestos saw extremely widespread use as fire-resistant insulation, particularly within the railroad industry. Various mechanical components of locomotives and train cars were lined with asbestos, and in some cases still are to this day. These components include:

• Pipes
• Boilers
• Brakes
• Gaskets
• Walls and ceilings of train compartments and storage facilities

Unfortunately, numerous medical studies have since linked the inhalation of asbestos fibers with an increased risk of developing numerous lung diseases and cancers, with mesothelioma being the most widely known. Even worse, many railroad companies did not take appropriate steps quickly enough to remove asbestos from buildings and trains they owned. They also did not protect their workers from the potentially life-threatening effects that exposure to this material can have.

Because of this neglect by railroad employers, far too many railroad employees over the years have suffered devastating illnesses and losses as a result. Working with a skilled attorney could be vital to effectively pursue compensation for any Union Pacific Railroad worker who sustained harm due to asbestos exposure.

Seeking Financial Compensation Under FELA

Rather than traditional workers’ compensation systems managed at the state level, the right of railroad workers to seek financial restitution for work-related injuries and illnesses is governed by a federal law called the Federal Employers Liability Act. Known as FELA for short, this act allows railroad workers who suffer harm due to asbestos exposure to file suit directly against their current or former employer over that harm. Under the FELA, the worker must prove their employer’s negligence contributed directly to causing their illness in some way.

A successful FELA claim allows recovery for all economic and non-economic consequences of an injury related to railroad work. This could include all necessary medical expenses, lost income, physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life. During a confidential consultation, a qualified Union Pacific asbestos exposure lawyer could explain in detail what damages might be compensable in a particular claim.

Talk to a Union Pacific Railroad Asbestos Exposure Attorney Today

Like many other railroad companies, Union Pacific let many of its current and past workers down by failing to sufficiently protect them from on-the-job asbestos exposure. As a result, many workers contracted avoidable illnesses that drastically impacted their lives, and could serve as grounds for a claim against the company responsible.

A conversation with a Union Pacific railroad asbestos exposure lawyer could put you in a position for the best possible resolution for your unique situation. Call today to schedule a meeting.