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 Cancers Are Linked to Diesel Exposure?
There are numerous occupational illnesses that have strong links to exposure to solvents, silica dust, asbestos, diesel exhaust, benzene, creosote and welding fumes, including the following medical conditions:
- 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
Despite better oversight by NIOSH and OSHA that have improved work safety standards, there is still a high risk of toxic exposure at rail yards due to the amount of hazardous substances on site. Acute and chronic toxic exposures are still probable in many cases.
After a confirmed lung disease or cancer diagnosis, Michigan railroaders may be able to file Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) injury claims. If more compensation is necessary to ensure a stable financial future, a personal injury lawsuit may also be considered. Contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options.
Which Michigan Railroad Workers Are at Cancer Risk?
Almost any individual working day after day in a rail yard can be exposed to diesel fuel exhaust and countless other known carcinogens. Many have worked in badly ventilated roundhouses and workshops. The highest risk, however, for those working in Michigan rail yards may be for those working in the following positions:
- Conductors and engineers
- Trackmen, carmen, brakemen
- Signal operators
- Diesel mechanics
- Machinists
- Pipefitters and plumbers
- Electricians
- Welders
- Painters and maintenance crews
Why Hire The Lyon Firm?
It is critical to carefully consider your legal representation in cancer and diesel exposure 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. Our railroad lung cancer lawyers 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.
Do I Have a Good Case?
Railroad cancer lawsuits can be pretty straightforward, and rail companies typically want to avoid high-profile, dragging litigation that can take years to resolve with a jury trial. That is why occupational cancer cases usually settle with favorable compensation packages set up for plaintiffs.
Of course each individual case is different, but if you worked at a rail yard for years and you were constantly exposed to toxic materials that have been linked to cancer in medical literature, you have a good case. Call us to review your work history and medical records, and to draw a clear connection between a toxic exposure and a related medical condition.