People involved in the operation or maintenance of railroad rolling stock face an increased risk of cancer. Exposure to materials and chemicals such as asbestos, benzene, diesel fumes, and other carcinogenic materials is known to lead to the development of cancers in many forms.
Occupational cancers identified in railroad workers:
Many different cancers have been identified in railroad workers, including lung, kidney, bladder, and colon. Asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer have also been diagnosed in many workers.
If railroad companies were to have followed government-mandated safety regulations, many of these occupational cancers could have been avoided. For those that have been affected, the remedy is to engage the services of an experienced railroad cancer attorney around Chicago IL.
Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos:
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer that develops in the delicate lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. There is no known cure for this disease, and the prognosis is poor. Exposure to asbestos, which was long used in the railroad industry, is the overwhelming cause of this disease.
Asbestos was used in the railroad industry from the early 1930s right through to the 1970s. In the 1970s, asbestos use was restricted by new OSHA guidelines. Even though railroads were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure, they continued to use the material.
Exposure to benzene:
Benzene is used to clean and degrease railroad equipment, as well as a component in diesel exhaust. Benzene is recognized as a dangerous chemical, which can cause cancer.
Benzene can be inhaled or absorbed through contact with the skin, and exposure can cause anemia and damage to the human immune system. Benzene is linked to leukemia, bladder cancer, Hodgkin’s disease and more.
Right to seek compensation:
If cancer was caused by exposure to dangerous materials while employed by a railroad, sufferers can hire a railroads cancer attorney around Chicago IL. If it is proven that their injury is caused by negligence, they can sue for damages.
If you have worked on the railroad and have cancer, you should consult with a seasoned railroad cancer attorney around Chicago IL. For a free evaluation of your case, contact Hughes Law Offices. Follow us on Google+.
