Most unfortunately, due to the nature of their work, railroad workers are exposed to hazardous substances daily. Such prolonged exposure is a direct link to why many eventually receive a cancer diagnosis of some sort. Well, for decades, the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and its predecessor railroads knew about these hazards yet failed to share their potential risks with their employees out of fear of being held legally liable. They did not even make efforts toward removing these risks from the workplace. This is completely unacceptable from our vantage point. So please read on to discover the potential cancer diagnoses you might be vulnerable to as a railroad worker and how one of the seasoned FELA lawyers at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP can help you file a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) claim.
What are the potential cancer risks for railroad workers?
First of all, there are several types of hazardous substances potentially present in a railroad workplace, and they read as follows:
- Asbestos: this was historically used for insulation, fireproofing, and adding strength and durability in locomotives and train cars.
- Ballast dust: this dust created from the rock foundation of a railroad may contain harmful particles like silica.
- Creosote: this is used to preserve wood on railroad ties from decay and insects but may be a toxic pesticide to humans.
- Diesel exhaust: these emissions from diesel engines used to power trains may contain harmful chemicals like carcinogens.
- Silica sand: this is used to improve traction, braking, and cornering power but may contain harmful chemicals like carcinogens.
- Solvents: these are used to remove grease and grime from locomotives and train cars but may contain dangerous chemicals like benzene.
- Welding fumes: this may be a toxic mix of ozone, arsenic, cadmium, aluminum oxide, carbon dioxide and monoxide, and nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide.
With that being said, railroad workers are at higher risk for developing any of the following cancer types after excessive exposure to such substances:
- Bladder cancer.
- Colon cancer.
- Esophageal cancer.
- Gastrointestinal tract cancer.
- Head and neck cancer.
- Intestinal cancer.
- Kidney cancer.
- Laryngeal cancer.
- Leukemia.
- Lymphoma.
- Lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma.
- Multiple myeloma.
- Stomach cancer.
- Throat cancer.
Can I file a FELA claim after receiving a cancer diagnosis?
Of note, you may receive a cancer diagnosis decades after your last shift spent on the railroad. With this, you may be unsure whether you are even eligible to file a FELA claim against the negligent railroad employer who you wholeheartedly believe to have caused your illness.
Well, you may rest easier knowing that the statute of limitations may be set to three years from the date of your cancer diagnosis. Although, you must work to ensure that you receive a diagnosis within a reasonable timeframe of experiencing signs and symptoms of a serious health issue. This is why, for the sake of your claim and your overall physical well-being, we strongly encourage you to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you are ready to bring forward a FELA claim, please first retain the services of one of the competent FELA lawyers. Our team at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP is ready and able to take on your case.
