Railroad Worker Illnesses
Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), railroad companies are responsible for providing a safe working environment for their employees. This act is not only intended to protect employees against railroad worker accidents but also against illnesses and repetitive stress injuries caused by working on or with trains, track, and rail cars. Our seasoned railroad accident attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers understand how FELA laws relate to your chronic illness caused by your hard work on the railways. If you have suffered an illness because of that work, you deserve to be fully compensated for your injuries, expenses and any related losses.
Railroad-related illnesses
Repeated excessive stress on the body and poor air quality are problems in many working environments, but railroad workers often suffer more serious illnesses related to those conditions. Even if you have not been in a railroad accident, you may be suffering from the effects of working for a railroad. Exposure to environmental pollutants, asbestos, solvents, and toxic chemicals often results in illnesses and diseases, including:
- Mesothelioma and other cancers
- Lung and brain damage
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Cognitive and emotional problems
- Silicosis and asbestosis
- Nerve damage
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Joint injuries can be caused by rough-riding trains or repetitive motion – such as excessive vibration – leading to chronic pain and limited mobility. The constant walking on uneven ballast rock in yards and the strains from riding on moving equipment can cause built-up injuries to the feet, knees, hips and back.
Long-Term Development
Unlike acute injuries, railroad workers’ illnesses develop slowly and may not be apparent for a number of years. Nonetheless, you have a right to seek compensation for these injuries under FELA and receive money for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have lost a loved one to a railroad work–related illness, like lung cancer, our compassionate attorneys can bring a wrongful death suit on your behalf.
As soon as you realize that you are suffering an illness caused by your work on the railroad, it’s important to contact an attorney experienced at filing FELA claims. Our skilled team gets to work on your case immediately to ensure that your employer is not successful in countering your claim. Whether you worked for Norfolk Southern, CSX, Amtrak or a Short Line railroad, our experienced attorneys help you find appropriate medical care and get you on the road to recovery and compensation for your career-ending or life-threatening railroad-caused illness.
Contact a Virginia Attorney After Developing a Railroad Worker Illness
If you or a loved one has suffered an illness or occupational disease brought about by working for a railroad company in Virginia, read this helpful resources page for railroad workers and please contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. The veteran team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers handles FELA cases all over the state.
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