Railroad Lymphoma Lawsuit [2025 Update] | File A Claim

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that develops when white blood cells grow uncontrollably, and evidence shows that railroad work created the conditions for this disease to take hold.

For decades, employees were regularly exposed to dangerous chemicals such as benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), herbicides, and creosote: all known or suspected cancer causing substances.

These exposures disrupted normal immune function and damaged bone marrow, two recognized risk factors for lymphoma.

Research consistently links non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to significant exposure to benzene, TCE, and certain herbicides, while Hodgkin lymphoma has also been tied to occupational environments where multiple toxic agents accumulate.

Railroad employees often experienced daily contact with solvents during repair work, herbicide sprays during track maintenance, and fumes from diesel fuel and creosote-treated ties.

Each of these exposures alone can raise cancer risk, but the overlap of many agents created an elevated risk for workers with long years of service.

Studies of industrial and transportation workers show that the types of exposures common in rail environments correlate with higher lymphoma rates compared to the general population.

Whether maintaining locomotives, cleaning train cars, or handling electrical equipment containing PCBs, workers faced hazards without being warned of the long-term consequences.

Today, both non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma are increasingly recognized as occupational cancers when linked to rail duties.

By documenting a history of chemical contact and cumulative dose, affected workers and families can connect their diagnosis to railroad service and pursue justice under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

Toxic Exposures on the Railroad Potentially Linked to Lymphoma

Railroad employees often encountered a toxic mix of agents that directly affected the immune system and blood-forming tissues.

Many of these exposures occurred daily in shops, yards, and along the tracks, where workers handled degreasers, inhaled exhaust, or applied herbicides with little protective equipment.

Over time, the cumulative effect of these dangerous chemicals disrupted normal cell growth and increased the likelihood of both non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Workers with significant exposure histories, especially those who spent decades repairing locomotives, spraying weeds, or handling electrical equipment, face an elevated risk of lymphoma that medical science now ties to specific railroad duties.

Substances and exposures linked to lymphoma in railroad work include:

• Benzene exposure – Found in diesel fuel, exhaust, and solvents; one of the strongest occupational risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – A degreasing solvent widely used in rail shops, associated with increased risks of lymphoma in epidemiological studies.
• Perchloroethylene (PCE) – Another solvent used in cleaning and maintenance, linked to lymphatic cancers.
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) – Present in older electrical equipment and fluids, associated with immune disruption and higher rates of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Herbicides and weed killers (including glyphosate) – Applied during track maintenance to control vegetation, linked to elevated risks of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Creosote and coal-tar products – Used on railroad ties and bridge timbers, containing PAHs that damage immune and lymphatic systems.
• Diesel exhaust and fuel vapors – Though most strongly tied to lung disease, they contribute benzene and PAH exposures that compound lymphoma risk.

This overlapping exposure environment meant that many railroad workers were not just exposed to one carcinogen, but to several at the same time, often for years on end.

Such cumulative contact significantly increases cancer risk, particularly for lymphomas that are sensitive to chemical disruption of the immune system.

Scientific Studies on the Links Between Lymphoma and Occupational Exposure

Decades of occupational epidemiology show that certain workplace chemicals can damage bone marrow and dysregulate the immune system (key biological pathways for lymphomas) especially after significant exposure over many years.

The most consistent human evidence concerns benzene, followed by chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), legacy electrical oils (PCBs), and some weed killers (notably glyphosate).

These findings come from large cohort and case–control studies, meta-analyses, and agency evaluations (IARC, EPA, NTP), and they mirror exposure patterns seen across transportation, manufacturing, utilities, and right-of-way maintenance jobs.

Importantly, for diesel exhaust, the modern synthesis finds no overall increase in NHL by itself, so diesel is best treated as a co-exposure (a source of benzene and PAHs) rather than a primary NHL driver.

Studies on occupational exposure and lymphoma include:

• Benzene – NHL (systematic review & meta-analysis, Lancet Planetary Health, 2019): Pooled human studies show a positive association between benzene exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with higher risks at higher exposures (dose-response). This builds on IARC’s benzene monograph.
• TCE (trichloroethylene) – NHL (meta-analyses; NTP/EPA): Occupational meta-analyses report elevated NHL risks among TCE-exposed workers; the U.S. NTP profile calls the human evidence limited but positive, and EPA’s IRIS lists NHL among TCE-associated tumor sites.
• PCE (perchloroethylene) – NHL (systematic review; EPA): Reviews of dry-cleaning and related cohorts find associations with NHL; EPA’s risk-evaluation materials summarize human studies considered in dose–response assessments.
• Glyphosate (weed killers) – NHL (meta-analysis; agency views): A 2019 meta-analysis reports increased NHL risk at the highest cumulative exposures; IARC classifies glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic” (2A), while EPA’s technical review takes a more conservative stance—useful context when presenting evidence in court.
• PAH-rich mixtures (creosote/coal-tar; occupational PAHs) – lymphatic/hematopoietic cancers: Systematic review of PAH-exposed workers shows excess risks across lymphatic/hematopoietic sites, consistent with ATSDR toxicology for creosote/PAHs as genotoxic mixtures.
• Diesel exhaust – NHL (systematic review & meta-analysis, 2022): Pooled data from 23 studies found no overall evidence of increased NHL from diesel exposure—supporting the view that diesel is more relevant as a co-exposure (benzene, PAHs) than a stand-alone NHL cause.

Although many studies are not railroad-specific, the exposure profiles they analyze (benzene-containing fuels/solvents, TCE/PCE degreasing, PCB-laden electrical oils, glyphosate-based weed control, and PAH-rich creosote) map directly onto historical rail tasks (operating locomotives and train cars, shop degreasing/parts washing, transformer/ballast work, and right-of-way weed killers).

Railroad Job Roles at an Increased Risk of Occupational Exposure

Lymphoma risk in the railroad industry is closely tied to the daily tasks that left employees surrounded by hazardous substances for years at a time.

Many railroad personnel worked in environments where diesel engines ran constantly, solvents were used to clean parts, and electrical equipment contained toxic oils and chemicals.

Long-term exposure and, in many cases, prolonged exposure to fuels, solvents, herbicides, and insulation materials created a higher risk of immune system damage that can lead to lymphoma.

Both operating crews and shop-based employees were affected, with shop workers and craft trades often facing especially high levels of chemical contact.

Job roles most at risk include:

• Engineers and Conductors spent long shifts in locomotive cabs with constant fumes from diesel engines.
• Sheet Metal Workers regularly cut, welded, and fabricated parts, creating metal fumes and frequent solvent use.
• Machinists and Shop Workers operated with degreasers, hazardous substances, and vaporized solvents in enclosed spaces.
• Electricians often handled electrical components containing PCBs and worked with solvents for cleaning and maintenance.
• Car Repairmen (Carmen) serviced brakes, bearings, and couplings with high potential for contact with solvents, oils, and asbestos-containing materials.
• Track Maintenance Crews used herbicides and creosote-treated ties, creating regular contact with toxic chemicals during repairs.
• Yard Workers and Switchmen constantly exposed to diesel exhaust and vapors while working near idling locomotives.

These positions highlight how exposure risks were spread across many roles, not just confined to a single type of worker.

Whether in a shop, along the tracks, or in the cab of a locomotive, railroad employees with prolonged exposure to multiple toxins face a documented elevated risk of lymphoma and other occupational illnesses.

Can Family Members File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Loved One Who Passed Away from Lymphoma?

Yes, family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if their loved one developed lymphoma after years of toxic railroad exposures.

Courts recognize that long-term exposure and, in many cases, prolonged exposure to fuels, solvents, herbicides, and other hazardous agents in rail work can directly contribute to this disease.

The worker’s employment status at the time of death (whether active, retired, or separated from the railroad) does not prevent families from seeking justice.

Wrongful death claims may help recover compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship.

By connecting medical records with documented histories of chemical contact, families can show that a preventable occupational illness caused their loved one’s death.

Through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), survivors have a legal path to hold railroad companies accountable for unsafe conditions that led to a devastating loss.

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body’s immune system responsible for fighting infections and disease.

It develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow uncontrollably, forming tumors in lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, or other organs.

There are two primary categories: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), which is more common and includes many different subtypes, and Hodgkin lymphoma, which is defined by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells under microscopic examination.

While genetic factors and immune deficiencies can play a role, medical research shows that long-term exposure to certain toxic agents (such as benzene, solvents, herbicides, and PCBs) significantly increases the risk of lymphoma in workers.

Diagnosis usually requires blood tests, imaging scans, and a biopsy to confirm the type and stage of the cancer.

Treatments may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplantation, depending on the type and severity of the disease.

For affected workers in the railroad industry, understanding how occupational exposures contribute to lymphoma is key to securing both medical care and legal accountability.

Symptoms and Complications of Lymphoma

Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, so its symptoms often begin with subtle but noticeable changes in the body.

Many people first experience painless swelling in the lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin.

Generalized symptoms such as fevers, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss are also common and are sometimes referred to as “B symptoms.”

Some individuals may feel persistent fatigue or weakness that does not improve with rest.

Others develop skin irritation, rashes, or frequent infections due to weakened immune function.

As the disease progresses, enlarged lymph nodes in the chest can cause coughing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of lymphoma typically include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Night sweats and unexplained fevers
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pain from enlarged lymph nodes
• Persistent itchiness or rash
• Frequent or recurring infections

Complications occur when lymphoma spreads or when treatments themselves create new challenges.

The disease can extend beyond the lymphatic system to the liver, spleen, lungs, or bone marrow, interfering with vital organ function.

Standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation may weaken the immune system further, making patients vulnerable to secondary cancers or chronic infections.

Long-term survivors may also deal with fatigue, anemia, or damage to the heart and lungs related to treatment.

These complications mean that ongoing medical management is often necessary even after successful therapy.

Lymphoma complications typically include:

• Spread of cancer to the bone marrow, liver, spleen, or lungs
• Increased risk of severe infections
• Secondary cancers caused by chemotherapy or radiation
• Persistent fatigue, anemia, or immune suppression
• Long-term organ damage from treatment or disease progression

How is Lymphoma Treated?

Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient.

Many cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma are treated with chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with other therapies, to destroy cancerous lymphocytes throughout the body.

Radiation therapy may be used for localized disease, particularly when tumors are confined to one or a few lymph node regions.

Targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, have become common for specific subtypes, directly attacking cancer cells while sparing more of the surrounding tissue.

Immunotherapy, including CAR T-cell therapy, is also available for some patients when standard treatments are not effective.

In advanced or relapsed cases, a stem cell or bone marrow transplant may be considered to restore healthy blood and immune cell production.

Supportive care, such as antibiotics, antivirals, or transfusions, helps manage side effects and prevent infections during treatment.

Because lymphoma often requires long-term monitoring, patients may undergo regular scans and lab tests to track remission or detect recurrence early.

Railroad workers who developed lymphoma after years of contact with toxic substances may qualify to file a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

Unlike standard workers’ compensation, FELA requires proof of employer negligence, such as failing to provide protective equipment, ignoring known risks, or leaving workers in unsafe conditions.

Many injured workers were never told about the dangers of benzene, solvents, PCBs, or herbicides, despite decades of scientific research showing their connection to lymphoma.

Even if a worker is retired or the cancer diagnosis occurred years after the exposures, a claim may still be valid because lymphoma often develops long after the initial contact with hazardous materials.

Family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim if a loved one passed away from the disease.

To determine eligibility, attorneys examine employment history, medical records, and documented workplace exposures to connect the illness directly to railroad service.

Speaking with a lawyer experienced in occupational cancer cases helps workers and families understand their rights and options for financial recovery.

Filing a lawsuit can provide compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the lasting harm caused by unsafe railroad conditions.

Gathering Evidence for Railroad Cancer Claims

Building a strong case under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) requires evidence that directly links a lymphoma diagnosis to unsafe conditions created by the railroad employer.

Because lymphoma often develops years after exposures occurred, collecting and organizing records is essential for proving that toxic substances encountered during railroad service played a role in the disease.

Attorneys investigate not only medical files but also employment histories, safety practices, and coworker testimony to show how the cancer developed as a result of railroad work.

The more detailed and complete the documentation, the stronger the case for holding the employer accountable.

Types of evidence for a railroad lymphoma claim may include:

• Employment records confirming job roles, shop assignments, and years of service under a specific railroad employer
• Workplace safety documents or inspection reports showing hazardous conditions or violations
• Medical records detailing the lymphoma diagnosis, treatment history, and progression of the disease
• Witness statements from coworkers describing shared exposures
• Expert testimony from medical and occupational specialists connecting exposures to the worker’s illness
• Financial records showing the economic impact of medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity

Damages in Railroad Cancer Claims

Developing cancer can create long-lasting financial, physical, and emotional burdens for both workers and their families.

Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), compensation may be available when a railroad employer failed to protect employees from toxic exposures that contributed to the illness.

These damages are designed not only to cover the direct costs of medical treatment but also to address the broader impact of the disease on quality of life and family stability.

Both living workers and surviving family members in wrongful death cases may pursue claims for damages.

Potential damages in a FELA cancer claim may include:

• Medical expenses for hospital care, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or stem cell transplants
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity due to time away from work or permanent disability
• Pain and suffering linked to the physical toll of the disease and its treatments
• Loss of companionship or consortium for spouses and family members in wrongful death claims
• Funeral and burial expenses when the worker has passed away
• Future medical costs including long-term monitoring and follow-up care
• Emotional distress caused by the diagnosis, progression, and impact on family life

For decades, railroad employees were regularly exposed to benzene, solvents, herbicides, PCBs, and other dangerous substances without adequate protection or warnings.

These workplace conditions created an elevated risk of both non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma, leaving many workers and families to face the devastating consequences of a preventable cancer diagnosis.

A railroad employer that failed to safeguard employees from known hazards can be held responsible through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we work closely with workers and families to uncover occupational histories, gather medical evidence, and build compelling cases that hold railroads accountable.

Our team understands the science linking long-term exposure to lymphoma and has the experience needed to present that evidence effectively in court.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphoma after railroad service, you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and financial recovery.