Colorado Diesel Exposure | Railroad Cancer Lawsuits

Colorado Railroad Injury Lawsuits

Due to the fact that toxic materials have been incorporated into the railroad industry for several decades, many railroaders have suffered the consequences. Toxic exposure cancer cases have continued to rise in the last twenty years as a result of workers coming in close contact with diesel exhaust, creosote, pesticides, benzene-based solvents, silica and asbestos.

Several positions at rail yards in Colorado and across the West could have posed a serious health risk for career railroad staff. Engineers, conductors, brakemen, track maintenance crews, electricians, plumbers and pipefitters, boiler repairmen, signal operators and mechanics are among those individuals at cancer risk after working at a rail yard for a significant amount of time.

The Lyon Firm’s toxic exposure attorneys can assist you following a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Contact us with your work history and medical records to begin filing a claim for rightful compensation.

Which Colorado Railroad Workers Faced Diesel Exposure?

Because diesel locomotives expel great deals of exhaust, almost any worker who spends long days in a rail yard could be at risk of severe occupational toxic exposure. These risks are even greater for those staff who work in poorly ventilated workshops or roundhouses. Many Colorado railroaders also faced asbestos exposure, as it was used in several applications in the past and never properly removed.

Other railroad staff have battled silica exposure, benzene exposure, and occupational exposures to industrial solvents, creosote, herbicides and welding fumes. Diesel mechanics, welders, machinists and others have been diagnosed with serious occupational cancers and lung diseases, such as the following:

• Lung Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Aplastic Anemia
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Emphysema
• RADS (Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome)
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Pulmonary Fibrosis

Can Colorado Railroad Workers File Diesel Cancer Lawsuits?

The Lyon Firm will assess unique individual cases and determine if compensation and damages can be sought by former workers and their loved ones. In the past, we have been able to successfully negotiate settlements that have included the following:

• Compensation for all related medical costs and hospital expenses. Individuals can recover all past and future expenses that may not be covered by standard health insurance
• Damages not covered by FELA claims
• Lost wages and lost future earnings can be claimed by workers who had to leave the work force and cannot return in the same capacity
• Nonmaterial damages can be sought for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship and reduced quality of life

The advent of NIOSH and OSHA and other work safety agencies greatly improved work safety standards, but there is still a high risk of toxic exposure in the railroad industry due to diesel fuel and other toxins. Acute and chronic toxic exposure to several known carcinogens can lead to lung cancer and other cancers linked to diesel exhaust.

Colorado railroaders may be able to file Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) injury claims, and should contact a railroad cancer lawyer to discuss the possibility of filing a diesel cancer lawsuit. Contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options.

What Are Some Large Colorado Rail Yards?

• Denver: 36th Street Yard (UP)
• Denver: Globeville Yard (BNSF)
• Denver: North Yard (former DRGW, UP)
• Denver: Rennix Yard (BNSF, Intermodal)
• Pueblo: Pueblo Yard (BNSF, UP)

What Are Common Rail Yard Occupational Hazards?

• Working in workshops and yards filled with diesel exhaust and other toxins
• Welding on machinery or track components, aluminum or stainless steel
• Maintaining or repairing boilers and older insulated piping
• Painting rail cars, and paint removal
• Air arcing/plasma cutting
• Metal grinding on manganese and rail
• Burning old railroad ties or toxic fuels
• Handling and cutting creosote covered ties
• Moving and dumping railroad ballast and silica sand
• Working in tunnels filled with diesel fumes
• Demolishing old buildings or renovating old structures that may contain asbestos in the roofing, flooring, siding and machinery
• Regularly using degreasers, adhesives, solvents and other industrial chemicals
• Electrical work
• Handling pesticides