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Elgin Joliet and Eastern
Diesel Exposure Cancer


Representing Former Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Workers at East Joliet Yard
Freight train on tracks with diesel exhaust

Railroad Diesel Exposure Lawsuits

The railroad industry has struggled to keep staff safe from injury and occupational illnesses for the last 100 years. Employers have known about the health and safety risks of many toxic materials used in rail yards, and still have not properly warned workers, provided the best safety gear or trained employees to avoid toxic exposure.

Investigating Elgin Joliet and Eastern lung cancer claims following diesel fumes exposure

The Lyon Firm is reviewing occupational cancer cases linked to chronic rail yard exposures to industrial solvents, silica dust, asbestos, diesel fumes, welding fumes, creosote and other carcinogens. Gather your work history documentation and medical records and contact an attorney to begin building a case against a former employer. Compensation packages may be available to ensure a better financial future for you and your family. 

Can I File a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit?

Any worker who spent years in a rail yard and later falls ill with a related cancer or lung disease can consider taking legal action. We believe that every company has a duty to protect workers, and if they fail to do so, they can be liable for damages. The following can be sought in a personal injury occupational cancer claim:

  • Lost Wages related to leaving a position after a cancer diagnosis
  • Lost future earnings if a worker cannot return to the job due to serious illness
  • Long-term disability
  • Compensation for medical expenses that can include treatment, consultations, medications, surgery, rehab and anything else that may not be covered by your insurance
  • Damages that may not be covered by FELA and workers compensation claims
  • Compensation for reduced quality of life, pain and suffering, emotional distress and possible loss of companionship

About Elgin Joliet and Eastern

The Elgin, Joliet and Eastern was originally created when several local railroads in Illinois and Indiana merged throughout the end of the 19th century. The full network that would make up the EJ&E included the Joliet, Aurora & Northern Railway and Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company of Illinois.

The Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway was a Class II railroad that formed circular path between Waukegan, Illinois and Gary, Indiana. The EJE railroad served as a link between Class I railroads traveling to and from Chicago, only entering Chicago near the Gary, Indiana boundary, running to Kirk Yard at the US Steel Gary Works. The railroad was often referred to as “The J,” “EJ&E” and “The Chicago Outer Belt Line.”

In 2007, the Canadian National Railway announced that the company would purchase a majority of the EJ&E, leaving a small portion of the line in Indiana to later be reorganized as the Gary Railway. In 2012, Canadian National announced a merger of the EJ&E into Wisconsin Central Ltd.

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.

What Cancers Are Linked to Rail Yard Toxic Exposure?

Numerous lung diseases, illnesses and cancers have been reportedly linked to exposure to silica dust, welding fumes, asbestos, diesel fumes, solvents and creosote, including 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 

After a cancer diagnosis, former East Joliet Yard and Elgin Joliet and Eastern workers can contact a railroad cancer lawyer to discuss the legal process of filing a compensation claim. Injured workers can file workers compensation claims, FELA claims and a personal injury lawsuit if more compensation is necessary.

Which East Joilet Yard Workers Are at Cancer Risk?

Many rail yard workers have been at risk of developing lung cancer and other serious illnesses, especially if they spent a good deal of their career’s in a poorly ventilated workshop. Employees exposed to toxins in close quarters included the following: welders, pipefitters, electricians, maintenance staff, conductors, engineers, trackmen, signal operators, mechanics and machinists.

The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern line connected the following cities and large towns:

Waukegan, Illinois
Libertyville, Illinois
Vernon Hills, Illinois
Lake Zurich, Illinois
Barrington, Illinois
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Elgin, Illinois
West Chicago, Illinois
Aurora, Illinois
Plainfield, Illinois
Joliet, Illinois
Minooka, Illinois
Morris, Illinois
New Lenox, Illinois
Mokena, Illinois
Frankfort, Illinois
Richton Park, Illinois
Chicago Heights, Illinois
Park Forest, Illinois
Griffith, Indiana
Gary, Indiana

Elgin Joliet & Eastern FAQ

Why Hire The Lyon Firm?

Joe Lyon has two decades of experience and our railroad diesel cancer lawyers have settled cases for six and seven figures on behalf of clients nationwide. We aim to negotiate for the best settlement terms possible and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we assume all financial risks and allow you to focus on your health while we take the lead and build your case.

Contact us to learn more about your legal options and to assess your individual case.

What Are some common toxic materials at rail yards?

Welding fumes, silica dust, creosote, asbestos, diesel exhaust, solvents and benzene have been a concern for many railroad workers nationwide.

What workers were at highest cancer risk?

Almost anyone in a rail yard was exposed to diesel fumes, and others may have also been exposed heavily to other carcinogens, including conductors, trackmen, carmen, brakemen, plumbers, welders, signal operators, engineers, mechanics and maintenance crews.

Fighting for Compensation & Justice

Filing Diesel Cancer Lawsuits

Many clients come to me in the most trying moments of their lives. They are suffering from a job-related injury or an occupational cancer, they’ve lost a family member to a terminal illness, their health and financial future look grim. There are long-term damages they may not be able to overcome without taking legal action.

It’s a fear for their future well-being and the fate of their families that have driven them to come to a lawyer and rightfully ask, “What available legal rights are there?”