Proviso Rail Yard Illinois (Union Pacific):
Proviso Yard, located in Illinois and operated by Union Pacific, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1929 as a major freight classification yard. This yard has been a critical hub in the rail network, playing a significant role in the movement of goods across the Midwest. Over the decades, Proviso Yard has employed thousands of workers, with the current workforce numbering in the hundreds, although exact figures vary. The yard handles a substantial volume of traffic, with tens of thousands of railcars passing through annually. In recent years, Proviso Yard has faced scrutiny due to toxic events, including a significant spill of hazardous materials. One notable incident involved the release of volatile organic compounds and other industrial chemicals, raising concerns about environmental and public health impacts. These events have highlighted the ongoing challenges of managing hazardous materials in such a busy industrial setting. These events have exposed a high percentage of railroad workers to toxic substances for prolonged periods, causing many to have a life changing diagnosis.
Toxic Exposures at the Proviso Rail Yard
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:
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.
