The Canadian National Railway (CN) hump yard served the active U.S. Steel Gary mill as well as the nearby Chicago area to the west. Many railroad workers, regardless of location, have faced a myriad of health and safety risks throughout their career. Many former employees have complained that after a day’s work at a rail yard, they returned home smelling like diesel fumes, the heavy toxin baked into their hair, skin and work clothes. Diesel exhaust has been a major concern in this line of work because it has been linked closely to an increased risk for lung cancer and other severe lung diseases.
Workers have also faced significant toxic exposure to other industrial toxins like solvents, benzene, silica dust, welding fumes, asbestos and creosote. Those who may have been at the highest risk worked in small, enclosed work spaces. Some high-risk positions at the Kirk Yard may include the following:
- Maintenance Crews
- Diesel Mechanics
- Machinists
- Engineers
- Signal Operators
- Engineers
- Conductors
- Yardmen
- Trackmen
- Carmen
- Brakemen
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Welders
Can I File a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit?
Any current or former worker at Kirk Yard who spend years around known cancer-causing agents, and later gets a confirmed cancer diagnosis can consider taking legal action against a former employer. If the employer failed to adhere to basic OSHA safety guidelines, failed to provide safety gear, and failed to train workers on the health risks of the job, they may be held liable for damages that result.
The following damages can be sought in a rail yard occupational cancer settlement:
- Past, current, and future hospital expenses and medical costs
- Medication Costs
- All treatment expenses, including specialist consultations
- Reimbursement for related surgeries and long-term rehab programs
- Lost wages if you left work due to illness
- Lost future earnings if you cannot return to the workplace in the same capacity
- Loss of quality of life, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship
