Are railroaders still at risk today?
Railroaders are continually exposed to toxic chemicals and dust. Railroads make up some of the largest employers in America. Nearly 135,000 railroaders are employed by the Class I railroads. The railroad industry encompasses a wide range of occupations. We represent locomotive engineers, conductors, track maintenance workers, signal and switch operators, yardmasters, brake operators, and more. Each of these jobs has its own set of risks and potential toxic exposures. We fight for justice when railroaders have been poisoned by the railroads.
Gianaris Trial Lawyers is proud to serve railroaders who have been affected by exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants in their line of work. Our railroad cancer lawyers understand the unique challenges faced by workers in the railroad industry and are dedicated to ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Toxic Exposures in the Railroad Industry
Diesel Exhaust: Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of gases and particulates produced by diesel engines. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Railroaders are often exposed to excess diesel exhaust from locomotives idling in rail yards.
Benzene: Benzene is a component of diesel fuel and also used as a solvent in parts washers and in the production of other chemicals. Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Minimizing exposure to benzene is crucial.
Solvents: Parts washers and solvents are often used my mechanics to clean tools.
Silica: Silica dust is produced during operations like track maintenance. Inhalation of silica dust can lead to silicosis, a chronic lung disease, and an increased risk of lung cancer.
Asbestos: Asbestos was widely used in the railroad industry due to its heat-resistant properties. Railroad brakes often contained asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can lead to diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Contact an experienced railroad cancer lawyer if you have been diagnosed with any lung-related disease.
Common Diagnoses Among Railroaders
Exposure to numerous carcinogens including asbestos, silica dust, diesel exhaust, degreasers, solvents, welding fumes and other toxic compounds can cause cancer in railroaders. Many traditional safety briefings and training did not warn railroad workers that their on-the-job exposures could lead to a life-changing diagnosis.
Cancer:
- Bladder Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Stomach Cancer
Leukemia:
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Multiple Myeloma (MM)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
Pulmonary conditions:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Reactive Airway Disease (RADS)
Neurological:
Train Crew
- Engineer
Responsible for operating the locomotive. - Conductor
In charge of train in its entirety, and of the train crew at large. - Brakeman
Inspects the train, assists the conductor, operates the brakes and assists in switching. - Fireman
Steam locomotive crew who feeds the firebox with fuel. On diesel locomotives, the firemen would monitor controls and assist the engineer.
Yard or Field Operations
- Switchman
Attends the switch in a railroad yard, switching trains from one track to another. - Signal Maintainer
Maintains signals, including those of hot box detectors, dragging equipment detectors, railroading crossings, CTC and formerly telegraph lines. - Section Foreman
Individual in authority over group of workers. - Section Crew
Group of workers responsible for assisting in yard operations.
Legal Guidance After Your Life-Changing Diagnosis
Our team of experienced railroad cancer lawyers is ready to review your case for free. If we believe you have a valid claim, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This ensures that you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal fees.
Discuss your case with one of our lawyers without any obligation. During this consultation, we will assess the merits of your case and guide you on the best course of action.
Gianaris Trial Lawyers represents railroaders with life-changing injuries and diagnoses including cancer, leukemia, and pulmonary conditions caused by exposures on the railroad. Every job on the railroad comes with a unique set of exposures that can make railroaders sick. We stand behind these railroaders and hold their employers accountable across the country.