What are High-risk Tennessee Railroad Jobs?
- Conductors and Engineers: Being in a diesel cab all day means there is no way of working and avoid diesel exhaust and other toxic materials. Diesel fumes seep into train cars and many conductors face chronic diesel exposure.
- Welders: those workers welding on tracks, machinery or track components can be at risk of metal poisoning and lung diseases.
- Plumbers and pipefitters that build, maintain or repair boilers and piping may be at an increased risk of asbestos exposure.
- Painters: painting or removing paint on rail cars can exposed workers to benzene-based solvents, paint and paint thinners.
- Diesel mechanics often work in poorly ventilated roundhouses and workshops around diesel engines and several other toxic degreasers and solvents.
- Trackmen and maintenance of way workers are at risk of inhaling silica ballast dust when disturbing ballast rock and handling and cutting creosote covered ties. They may also face significant diesel exhaust exposure and handle dangerous pesticides.
What Cancers Are Associated with Diesel Exposure?
The following occupational lung diseases, illnesses and cancers are reportedly linked to past exposures to silica ballast dust, creosote, benzene, asbestos and diesel fuel:
- 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
Before the 1990s, when OSHA and NIOSH improved some lax work safety standards, there was an enormous risk of developing a related cancer from toxic exposure at rail yards. The risks have diminished somewhat, however, hazardous toxic exposures are still possible at many work sites in the railroad industry, including at BNSF, CSX and Norfolk Southern rail yards.
After a confirmed cancer diagnosis, Tennessee railroad workers can file Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) injury claims. If the FELA compensation is not enough to ensure a stable financial future, a toxic workplace lawsuit may be considered. Contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options.
Why Hire The Lyon Firm?
Joe Lyon has 20 years of experience in the fields of toxic exposure and work injury litigation. We have the resources, dedication and experience to build a strong case against negligent corporations and companies who have failed to protect their employees with reasonable safety training and workflows. We assume all tasks and financial risks when we file your claim, and we can guide you and your family through the difficult process. We will negotiate for you to reach the best settlement possible, and we work on a contingency fee basis.