Railroad Cancer Lawyer

Railroad workers face a heightened risk of developing life-threatening health conditions due to prolonged exposure to carcinogenic substances like diesel exhaust, asbestos, benzene, and welding fumes.

Despite the well-documented dangers associated with these toxic chemicals, many railroad employers failed to implement adequate occupational safety measures, leaving workers vulnerable to contamination over years of service.

The lack of proper ventilation, protective equipment, and routine safety training meant that engineers, conductors, machinists, and maintenance crews were regularly exposed to hazardous materials without sufficient warning.

Unlike short-term exposure, prolonged contact with diesel exhaust and asbestos fibers can significantly affect railroad workers’ health, often leading to irreversible damage.

The consequences are severe—not only affecting physical health but also disrupting families and financial stability.

Workers diagnosed with cancer or chronic lung diseases face mounting medical bills, long-term disability, and the emotional strain of battling a preventable illness.

For many, the diagnosis comes years after the initial exposure, complicating their ability to trace the source and hold railroad employers accountable.

Health conditions commonly linked to railroad work include:

• Lung Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Leukemia
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Throat Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Silicosis
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Reactive Airway Disease

These serious conditions not only devastate the lives of railroad workers but also create lasting impacts for their families.

Legal action may be the only path forward to secure compensation and hold negligent railroad companies accountable for their disregard for worker safety.

If you or a loved one have suffered from any of the above health conditions after working on the railroad, you may be eligible to file a legal claim and seek compensation.

Contact the Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation, or use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuit instantly.

Scientific Studies Analyzing Prolonged Exposure to Toxic Substances in Railroad Work

Extensive research has established a strong link between prolonged exposure to toxic substances in railroad environments and increased cancer risk among workers.

Studies have particularly focused on the effects of diesel exhaust, creosote-treated railroad ties, and other hazardous materials commonly encountered in rail yards and during maintenance operations.

Research findings have helped regulators, railroad employers, and legal teams better understand the need for occupational safety measures and have significant implications for railroad cancer claims.

Key studies and investigations include:

• Cancer Risk and Diesel Exhaust Exposure Among Railroad Workers (2022): This study utilized EPA risk assessment methodologies to quantify cancer risks from diesel exhaust inhalation in railroad work environments. It concluded that such occupational exposure leads to a significant and measurable increase in cancer risk, particularly lung cancer, among railroad workers.
• Lung Cancer in Railroad Workers Exposed to Diesel Exhaust (1980): An analysis of over 35 studies revealed that workers exposed to diesel exhaust had a 20–50% higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to unexposed individuals. This research highlighted the carcinogenic potential of diesel fumes in occupational settings.
• Tracking Harm: Health and Environmental Impacts of Rail Yards (2012): This report examined the environmental and health impacts of rail yards, noting that emissions from diesel-powered equipment contribute to elevated cancer risks in nearby communities and among rail yard workers.
• Creosote Contamination in Houston’s Fifth Ward: Investigations into a former rail yard revealed that prolonged exposure to creosote, used in treating railroad ties, led to soil and groundwater contamination. Residents and workers in the area have experienced higher incidences of certain cancers, prompting health risk assessments and legal actions.
• Lung Cancer in Railroad Workers Exposed to Diesel Exhaust Fumes: A comprehensive study by Harvard University assessed lung cancer mortality among 54,973 U.S. railroad workers between 1959 and 1996. The research found a significant association between diesel exhaust exposure and increased lung cancer risk, particularly among workers in roles with higher exposure levels.
• Occupational Exposure to Diesel Exhaust and Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis: A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Public Health reviewed multiple studies and concluded that occupational exposure to diesel exhaust significantly increases the risk of lung cancer among workers, including those in the railroad industry.

As mentioned in the above studies and investigations, railroad workers are at high risk for chemical exposure due to the nature of their work environments and the materials they handle.

Running locomotives, maintaining railcars, and working in railyards expose workers to a wide range of toxic substances.

Diesel fuel emissions, crude oil residues, and locomotive parts manufactured with asbestos and benzene are all known carcinogens linked to serious health conditions, including cancer.

Workers in specific roles, such as sheet metal workers, machinists, pipefitters, and conductors, often experience significant exposure to these harmful chemicals without adequate workplace safety measures.

The risks are not limited to active railroad operations; maintenance shops, track work, and even office environments near running locomotives can present health hazards.

Many of these substances are inhaled or absorbed through the skin over long periods, compounding their health impact.

Inadequate ventilation, poor protective equipment, and lack of safety training have left countless railroad employees at risk of life-threatening diseases.

Below is a breakdown of the common types of chemical exposure faced by different railroad job roles:

• Diesel Exhaust – Inhaled by engineers, conductors, and brakemen while operating or riding in running locomotives. Diesel fumes contain carcinogens linked to lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
• Benzene – Present in solvents, degreasers, and diesel fuel; commonly encountered by mechanics, machinists, and pipefitters during maintenance operations. Prolonged exposure is linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.
• Asbestos – Used in locomotive parts manufactured for insulation and brake components. Machinists, pipefitters, and sheet metal workers often handled these materials, putting them at high risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer.
• Crude Oil and Petroleum Byproducts – Spilled or leaked during railcar transport and maintenance, affecting carmen and maintenance workers. Long-term exposure is connected to bladder cancer and skin diseases.
• Welding Fumes – Emitted during railcar and track repairs; contain toxic metals like lead, cadmium, and manganese. Sheet metal workers and welders are especially vulnerable, with risks including lung cancer and neurological disorders.
• Herbicides and Pesticides – Sprayed along tracks for vegetation control, exposing track workers to harmful chemicals that have been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers.
• Silica Dust – Created during track maintenance and ballast work; inhalation by trackmen and signal maintainers can cause lung cancer and silicosis.
• Creosote – Used to treat railroad ties; exposure during maintenance and installation is associated with skin cancer and respiratory issues.

These exposures are a constant threat for railroad workers, many of whom were never properly warned about the long-term dangers of handling such hazardous materials.

Legal action through a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit may be the only way for many to seek justice and compensation for their suffering.

What Jobs on the Railroad are Most at Risk of Chemical Exposure?

Injured railroad workers often held positions that placed them in direct, prolonged contact with toxic substances now known to cause cancer and other serious health problems.

Many injured workers were never warned by their railroad employer about the dangers of diesel exhaust fumes, asbestos, or solvents containing benzene (a known carcinogen).

These exposures were often tied directly to specific job duties that involved operating, repairing, or maintaining trains and rail infrastructure.

Some roles carried a particularly high risk of diesel exposure and chemical contact due to confined workspaces or outdated equipment.

In many cases, railroad companies failed to provide proper protective gear or safety protocols.

The following job titles represent some of the most at-risk positions in the industry:

• Train Engineers – Operate running locomotives and spend hours inhaling diesel exhaust fumes in enclosed cabs.
• Conductors and Brakemen – Ride in trailing locomotives and work near idling engines, experiencing constant diesel exposure.
• Machinists and Pipefitters – Maintain and repair locomotive engines, frequently handling parts contaminated with asbestos and solvents.
• Sheet Metal Workers – Cut and fabricate metal components using welding tools, exposing them to toxic fumes and chemical residues.
• Electricians – Work with wiring and equipment that require the use of degreasers and lubricants containing known carcinogens.
• Carmen and Mechanics – Perform railcar inspections and repairs using diesel-powered tools and benzene-containing cleaning agents.
• Track and Signal Workers – Handle ballast, railroad ties, and creosote-treated materials while being exposed to silica dust and herbicides.
• Locomotive Shop Workers – Perform repairs in poorly ventilated indoor environments, with continuous exposure to diesel fumes and chemical vapors.

These roles not only exposed workers to hazardous materials on a daily basis, but also put them at long-term risk of occupational illnesses that may take decades to appear.

You may qualify for a railroad cancer lawsuit if you worked for a railroad company and were exposed to toxic substances such as diesel exhaust, asbestos, benzene, or welding fumes during the course of your employment.

These substances are known carcinogens, and prolonged occupational exposure has been linked to cancers like lung cancer, mesothelioma, leukemia, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer.

Eligibility does not depend on your current employment status—many claims are filed by retired workers or the families of deceased employees.

If you have a documented cancer diagnosis and a work history in a role with high exposure risk, your case may be legally viable.

Railroad cancer claims are typically filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which allows injured railroad workers to recover compensation when their employer’s negligence contributed to their illness.

FELA provides a unique legal framework that requires proof of fault but allows for greater compensation than traditional workers’ compensation systems.

An experienced railroad cancer lawyer can review your employment records, medical history, and exposure timeline to determine if your illness is connected to your work.

Early legal consultation is crucial, as strict time limits apply and building a strong case often depends on preserving key evidence.

Gathering Evidence for a Toxic Exposure Claim

Building a successful toxic exposure claim requires detailed evidence linking your cancer diagnosis to hazardous substances encountered during railroad work.

This includes both medical documentation and occupational records that show a clear history of exposure to known carcinogens.

An experienced FELA attorney can help identify, obtain, and organize this evidence to build a compelling case for liability and compensation.

Evidence for a toxic exposure claim may include:

• Medical records confirming diagnosis and treatment
• Employment history detailing job titles, duties, and duration of railroad work
• Exposure records involving diesel exhaust, asbestos, benzene, or welding fumes
• Co-worker statements or testimony about shared exposure conditions
• Maintenance and inspection logs from locomotives and rail yards
• Safety manuals, training documents, or lack thereof
• Internal railroad company memos acknowledging toxic materials or risks
• Expert reports connecting workplace exposure to specific cancer types
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from relevant chemicals and equipment
• OSHA or FRA violation reports involving your worksite or employer

Damages in Railroad Cancer Lawsuits

Securing damages in a railroad cancer lawsuit is often the only way for affected workers to obtain compensation for the serious harm caused by toxic workplace exposure.

Under federal law, specifically the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), injured railroad employees can pursue broader damages than those available through typical workers’ compensation systems.

A successful railroad cancer settlement may account for both the financial burdens and the long-term personal impact of the disease.

Common damages in a railroad cancer lawsuit may include:

• Medical Costs – Coverage for ongoing treatment, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Hospital Bills – Reimbursement for inpatient care and emergency services related to the diagnosis
• Lost Wages – Income lost during periods of illness and treatment
• Loss of Earning Capacity – Compensation for reduced ability to work in the future due to long-term disability
• Pain and Suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Travel costs for medical appointments, in-home care, or adaptive equipment
• Wrongful Death Damages – For families of deceased workers, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, and loss of companionship
• Punitive Damages – In some cases, awarded to punish gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the railroad company

These damages are designed to provide meaningful relief and accountability for the lifelong consequences faced by railroad workers harmed by preventable toxic exposures.

Linking Occupational Exposure to Cancer: Proving Liability in Railroad Cancer Lawsuits

Proving liability in a railroad cancer lawsuit requires more than a medical diagnosis—it involves connecting that diagnosis to toxic exposures encountered during railroad employment.

The legal team must demonstrate that the railroad company knew or should have known that substances used in the workplace had the potential of causing cancer.

This often includes showing a pattern of inadequate safety protocols, lack of protective equipment, or failure to warn workers about known risks.

Expert testimony from medical professionals and industrial hygienists plays a key role in establishing how specific exposures likely led to the injured worker’s illness.

Documented use of diesel exhaust, asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogens in the railroad environment strengthens the connection between the job and the disease.

Once causation is established, the injured worker may be entitled to fair compensation under FELA for their suffering, financial losses, and diminished quality of life.

A well-supported liability case not only builds the foundation for recovery—it holds railroad companies accountable for decades of preventable harm.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers is one of the top law firms for railroad workers seeking justice and compensation for cancer diagnoses due to occupational exposure.

Our law firm provides expert legal representation and dedicated advocacy throughout the entire legal process, helping former railroaders and their families pursue claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) with confidence and clarity.

We understand the devastating impact that cancer can have on your health, livelihood, and future—and we’re prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our team works with leading medical experts, investigates exposure history, and builds each case with the strength needed to take on major railroad companies.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer, mesothelioma, leukemia, or another cancer linked to diesel exhaust or asbestos, we are ready to help.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward accountability and justice.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a railroad workers cancer lawsuit instantly.