Laryngeal Cancer and Railroad Settlement
Asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other hazardous substances could pose a threat to railroad employees. Contact an experienced FELA lawyer if you suspect that your job as a railroad worker could be a factor in cancer or other ailments.
Speech and language therapy may be an option in the event that your cancer grows and you need to undergo surgery to remove your voice box (laryngectomy). You can also get a voice implant to aid in your speech.
Compensation
The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers to file lawsuits directly against their employers in the event that they can prove they were exposed to asbestos or other harmful chemicals at work. In many cases, these exposures can lead to serious adverse consequences, such as cancer and other illnesses. While lung cancer is the most well-known ailment that is linked to rail work, other illnesses can be traced to the time of work.
When someone is diagnosed as having an illness connected to their job they might require extensive medical treatment that can be expensive. They can also suffer from financial hardships and lost wages.
A settlement with a railroad cancer doctor could be able to cover these costs. The initial settlement offer may be less than what the person is entitled. An attorney who has experience in railroad injury cases could analyze a settlement to make sure that it meets all of the needs of the victim.
In one instance, Doran & Murphy represented a former locomotive engineer who was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer following decades of exposure to toxic chemicals in the railroad industry. During his time in the industry, the plaintiff sprayed creosote and used degreasing solvents on trains, and also handled contaminated fuel, silica sand and asbestos. The plaintiff claimed that these exposures led to his cancer and other chronic illnesses. He was awarded $7.5 Million in damages.
Legal Representation
In the 19th and early 20th century, railroad workers were exposed to dangerous working conditions which put their lives at risk from accidents like collisions or derailments. They also had to deal with toxic substances such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. When railroad settlement led to cancer or a cancerous diagnosis, the employee and their family members may be entitled to compensation.
Railroad workers who develop cancer should consult with a knowledgeable lawyer from the railroad industry to discuss their options. They should not wait until the statute of limitations expires. If their cancer is linked to exposure at the workplace, they may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation.
In a case filed on behalf of a former locomotive engineer for the Grand Trunk Railway by Doran & Murphy, the jury awarded damages of $872,000 following the conclusion that railroad exposure to diesel fumes as well as asbestos contributed to the development of his throat cancer. The verdict was not made taking into account the engineer's past history of smoking, as it was evident from the evidence that exposure to diesel fumes as well as asbestos in the workplace was the cause of his condition.
Hughes Law Offices provide case histories to inform visitors of the actual facts of the case and rulings. Unless stated otherwise the cases mentioned herein were not handled by our firm. Visit our Verdicts & Settlements Page to learn more about the settlements or verdicts that were reached in these cases.