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BNSF Cicero Yard
RAILROAD CANCER LAWSUITS

Toxic Exposure Lawyer Reviewing BNSF Cicero Yard occupational cancer claims
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Freight train on tracks with diesel exhaust

Chicago, Illinois Diesel Exhaust Exposure

If you or a loved one has suffered from a work-related injury or occupational illness linked to toxic exposure at a rail yard, contact our FELA attorneys to investigate your claim. We are reviewing all new railroad cancer cases and personal injury claims associated with exposure to benzene, diesel exhaust, silica, solvents, VOCs, asbestos, and other toxic materials.

We offer free consultations to all current and former railroad workers at BNSF Cicero Yard or any other unsafe work environment. We can hold employers accountable for failing to provide the proper safety gear, failing to properly train employees, and exposing workers to numerous cancer-causing substances. You may be eligible for significant compensation.

Have You Worked at BNSF Cicero Yard?

It goes without saying that employers have a duty to provide workers with a safe workplace. Many railroaders have taken risks for as long as the US railroad industry has been around; however, that doesn’t mean that railroaders don’t have certain work safety rights. While OSHA safety guidelines have forced employers to improve conditions in many industries, there are still several health risks that have not been fully addressed.

Many BNSF workers at Cicero Yard and other rail hubs have complained about a daily assault of diesel exhaust, which has been documented in company reports and medical journals. Diesel fumes can be extremely harmful in acute doses or when certain workers are chronically exposed. Railroaders in Chicago, Illinois, and around the country have faced a good deal of diesel exposure, as well as possible exposure to benzene (which is linked to AML leukemia), silica ballast dust (linked to silicosis), welding fumes, asbestos, solvents, creosote and other heavy toxins.

The BNSF Railway Cicero Yard, located in the Chicago, Illinois region, is a big hub for freight operations in the Midwest. The yard currently employs hundreds of workers who manage and maintain its daily operations, handling dozens of trains. The yard is a combination of two existing, separate yards, Ceco Yard and Ogden Yard. Cicero Yard handles both trailer and container traffic. Amtrak and Metra also have trackage rights, and there are two commuter rail stations at Cicero.

Workers at Cicero Yard may be exposed to a number of occupational hazards due to the nature of the work. Diesel exhaust is known to contain particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can pose significant health risks in large quantities. Prolonged exposure to diesel fuel can lead to severe respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and an increased risk of lung cancer.

Can You File a FELA Injury Claim?

If a BNSF railroad worker is injured on the job or falls ill due to workplace toxic exposure, they must have good reason to suggest that the railroad was negligent in protecting them. We can help prove that the railroad failed to protect you with the help of industry safety experts.

Rail companies are obligated to provide properly-maintained safety gear, equipment, and proper training. If a safer method of performing a job was available, but they chose not to follow established safety guidelines, an employer may be held liable. We encourage our clients to compile records and photographs of any unsafe area or aspect of a questionable work area.

It is crucial to file a claim shortly after a confirmed diagnosis of an occupational illness because the statute of limitations for a FELA-covered injury is three years from the date of the injury. In toxic exposure, this can translate to different timelines, however it is always advisable to contact a railroad lung cancer lawyer as soon as possible.

Who is at the Highest Railroad Cancer Risk?

Over the years, studies have suggested that almost anyone working in the field at a rail yard could be at some toxic exposure risk due to the fact that diesel fumes are largely inescapable in these areas. Diesel engines of this size emit huge amounts of exhaust, and even residents in nearby neighborhoods have filed property contamination lawsuits against railroad companies and other large polluters.

With that said, the highest health risks are those who work closely with solvents, ballast rock, asbestos-containing materials, creosote, silica, and benzene-based solutions. Many pipefitters, welders, mechanics, machinists, engineers and conductors, signalmen, trackmen, and maintenance of way workers at Cicero Yard could have been at a higher lung cancer risk.

What Are Some Common Railroad Cancers?

  • Lung Cancer
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Laryngeal Cancer
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Bladder Cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  • CLL
  • Mesothelioma
  • Silicosis
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Toxic Encephalopathy

CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY

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ABOUT THE LYON FIRM

Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.

The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.

NO COST UNLESS WE WIN

The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.

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What are some High-risk Rail Yard Tasks?

  • Working around diesel exhaust and other toxic materials
  • Welding on machinery or track components, aluminum or stainless steel
  • Maintaining or repairing boilers
  • Painting rail cars, and removing paint
  • Air arcing/plasma cutting
  • Metal grinding on manganese and rail
  • Burning materials, including toxic fuels
  • Handling and cutting creosote covered ties
  • Dumping ballast
  • Working in tunnels filled with diesel fumes
  • Demolishing old buildings that may contain asbestos
  • Using degreasers, adhesives, solvents and other industrial chemicals
  • Plumbing and pipefitting
  • Electrical work
  • Handling pesticides

What Can I Expect To Recover in a Railroad Lung Cancer Settlement?

Every case is different and any compensation package depends largely on your work history and current medical prognosis. We negotiate for the highest settlement possible, which can include the following:

  • Medical Expenses: if your health insurance does not cover any treatments, medications, consultations, surgeries, hospital visits, rehab programs or long-term care, we can seek compensation for all related medical costs.
  • Lost Earnings: any lost wages, past or future, directly caused by an occupational illness or injury, can be included in a settlement to ensure you and your family have a stable financial future.

Why Hire The Lyon Firm?

It is critical to carefully consider your legal representation in these types of cases because you may require the best industry experts to testify on your behalf. It is complex litigation, and you will need an experienced professional to not only build the strongest case possible but to also negotiate on your behalf for the best possible settlement terms.

The Lyon Firm has two decades of experience in filing workplace injury and toxic exposure lawsuits. We have settled numerous six and seven-figure cases for workers nationwide. When your health and future are on the line, it is prudent to choose the best legal counsel available. We have the resources, the dedication and the experience to take your case and reach a fair settlement. We work on a contingency fee basis, guide you through the legal process and assume all financial risks.

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Railroad Toxic Exposure Information