Virginia Railroad Cancer Settlements
Railroad Toxic Exposure Claims
The railroad industry as a whole has had its safety struggles from the beginning. The industry requires hard labor and employees are often working in poorly ventilated workshops. Workers have always faced significant health and safety concerns, particularly with those who worked closely with industrial solvents, creosote, benzene-based products, welding materials, asbestos, silica sand and diesel fuels.
Our firm is investigating new cancer claims on behalf of former Virginia railroad staff who have been diagnosed with a related occupational cancer as a result of years of toxic exposure. Any negligent employer can be held liable for injuries and illnesses that are sustained at the workplace, including anywhere at a railroad work site.
How Are Virginia Railroaders Exposed to Toxic Diesel Fumes?
Many former staff at rail yards have described the ever-present smell of diesel exhaust, not only in the atmosphere, but on their person when they left the workplace and returned home with the strong scent of diesel on their hair, skin and clothing. Some positions, obviously, have been more susceptible to diesel exposure cancers, including conductors, engineers, brakemen, carmen, track maintenance crews and signal operators.
Track maintenance crews, or maintenance of way workers, were also heavily exposed to silica, creosote and pesticides, placing them at further cancer risk. Any worker who spent long days in a small workshop or roundhouse, surrounded by diesel fuel, benzene, welding fumes and potent solvents, was likely at increased risk of later developing a related occupational illness. Welders, machinists, diesel mechanics, pipefitters, plumbers, electricians and others were also exposed on occasion to asbestos, which was used in several applications at various rail yards in the past.
The Lyon Firm is reviewing diesel cancer cases on behalf of former railroaders, maintenance crews and staff who worked in the following rail yards in Virginia:
- Alexandria: Potomac Yard (RF&P)
- Norfolk: Lamberts Point Yard (NS)
- Chesapeake: Portlock Yard (NS, Intermodal, mixed freight)
- Chesapeake: Berkley Yard ( Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad / CSX)
- Petersburg: Collier Yard (CSX)
- Virginia Beach: Little Creek Yard ( Buckingham Branch Railroad )
- Richmond: Fulton Yard (CSX)
- Richmond: Acca Yard (CSX)
- Roanoke Terminal (NS)
What Can Plaintiffs Recover in Diesel Cancer Lawsuits?
Our team of FELA lawyers can take a look at the work history and medical records you can provide, and we can determine what kind of compensation package you can expect. Many railroad cancer settlements may include the following:
- Medical Expenses: all related medical costs can be covered by a settlement, including expenses associated with treatment, medications, surgery, consultations and rehab programs.
- Lost Wages: lost earnings and future earnings can be compensated if a worker has to leave their position due to an injury or illness, and cannot return to the workplace in the same capacity. Job training expenses can also be provided.
- Non-economic Damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, loss of companionship and wrongful death damages can be considered.
CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY
Please complete the form below for a FREE consultation.
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.
Who is at Cancer Risk at Virginia Rail Yards?
The following tasks at rail yards may place workers at an increased risk of later developing lung cancer, AML, or another occupational lung disease:
- Welding
- Painting or removing paint
- Operating diesel engines
- Working in enclosed work spaces with toxic materials
- Handling or removing asbestos insulation
- Using benzene solvents, degreasers and adhesives
- Coating tracks with creosote
- Using pesticides or herbicides like Roundup
- Dumping ballast or silica sand
What Medical Conditions Are Linked to Diesel Exposure?
There are several medical conditions that have strong links to exposure to industrial solvents, herbicides, silica sand, asbestos, diesel fuel, benzene, creosote and welding fumes, 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
Why Hire The Lyon Firm?
The toxic exposure lawyers at The Lyon Firm have the experience, the resources and the dedication to build the strongest possible case on your behalf, and reach a fair settlement with your former employer. We assume all tasks related to your claim, and you can focus on your health and spend time with your loved ones. We have negotiated numerous claims, and we represent plaintiffs in all fifty states. Call for a free consultation and case review.

CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY
Virginia Railroad Cancer FAQ
Welding fumes, diesel smoke, asbestos, benzene, creosote, ballast – silica, pesticides, solvents, paints, other fuels.
- Alexandria: Potomac Yard (RF&P)
- Norfolk: Lamberts Point Yard (NS)
- Chesapeake: Portlock Yard (NS, Intermodal, mixed freight)
- Chesapeake: Berkley Yard ( Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad / CSX)
- Petersburg: Collier Yard (CSX)
- Virginia Beach: Little Creek Yard ( Buckingham Branch Railroad )
- Richmond: Fulton Yard (CSX)
- Richmond: Acca Yard (CSX)
- Roanoke Terminal (NS)
- Railroad Cancer Lawsuits
- FELA Railroad Injury Claims
- Occupational Lung Disease
- Ventilation Hazards
- OSHA Violations
- Asbestos
- Workplace Injury Claims
- Benzene Exposure
- Chemical Inhalation
- Silica
- Aplastic Anemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Leukemia
- Sarcoidosis
- CSX
- Conrail
- Union Pacific
- Norfolk Southern
- Amtrak
- BNSF
- Canadian National Railway
- Creosote
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We will determine, together with you, what makes sense for the next step for you and your family to take.
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