Railroad Settlements and Colon Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing certain cancers because of exposure to toxic chemicals. They are exposed to diesel exhaust, as well as other workplace toxins like silica sand and solvents.
Hughes Law Offices have won huge settlements and verdicts in these cases. Here are some examples.
FELA Lawsuits
Whatever position they were in on the railroad, railway workers who are diagnosed with cancer linked to their work can file a claim for compensation under The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). This legislation was passed more than a century ago, and has assisted in hold railroad companies accountable for injuries to their employees.
The law allows railroad employees who have been injured to collect damages in the form of medical expenses, lost wages, and discomfort and pain. The amount of pain and suffering awards are indefinite. A FELA attorney will meet with the client and their family members to gain a better understanding of the impact cancer has had on their lives. A consultation with oncologists and chemotherapy technicians would also be beneficial.
A FELA case has the advantage of being filed in either state or federal court. Federal substantive law governs FELA claims, but federal courts can apply common law tort principles in cases brought under FELA.
The most difficult thing for a plaintiff in a FELA action is establishing liability. Railroad companies often rely on defenses of comparative negligence to shift a portion or all liability off them. Former railroad workers can get over these problems with the help of an experienced attorney.
Medical Costs
A railroad worker's diagnosis of cancer can result in a variety of financial hardships. Cancer can also cause time off work, which could result in loss of wages and increased costs for caregivers. Additionally, medical bills and other associated expenses can create an avalanche of debt. Workers can get compensation for these expenses via a settlement under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
FELA lawsuits can be awarded damages for medical expenses, both past and future as well as non-tangible consequences like pain and suffering. A knowledgeable FELA lawyer can help a client establish an adequate amount of compensation for the various aspects of their injury. Settlements should include all future and past medical expenses as well as provide compensation for any income loss caused by their illness.
Railroad workers are exposed numerous toxic substances in their jobs. Diesel exhaust and asbestos have both been linked to colon cancer. Exposed to metal-working fluids (soluants), pesticides, and other chemicals can increase the risk of getting cancer. A railroad colon cancer lawyer may be able to establish a connection between exposure to chemicals on the job and their health.
Although there are no two cases that are alike looking back at past FELA settlements or verdicts may give a good indication of the possible payout for the case of a cancer affecting railroads. railroad injury settlement amounts at Hughes Law Offices could analyze a settlement offer to determine if it will be sufficient to meet the needs of a client.
Suffering and Pain
Legally, pain and suffering refers to the mental and physical trauma that is caused by the aftermath of a medical accident. A jury could offer compensation for pain or suffering. This can be a key component of an action filed under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A lawyer who understands your situation could help you determine the amount that is appropriate for damages.
Often, employers will offer to settle an injured employee's case before the case goes to trial or even while the trial is still in progress. It is, however, advisable to examine any settlement offers carefully before deciding to accept the offer. An attorney from a railroad cancer case could examine a settlement to determine if the offer is suitable and fair in the circumstances. They can also compare an offer to legal precedents to determine if it's worth the victim accepting the settlement or taking the case to the court.
Loss of Earnings
A railroad worker can receive compensation for lost earnings. The compensation awarded will not be able to replace the time lost due to this illness or bring back their health. However, it could provide financial stability to a family in this difficult period. A skilled attorney for railroad injuries can assist in obtaining documentation to prove the financial losses, such as pay receipts, tax returns, and other financial documents.
Exposed to harmful chemicals like diesel exhaust and asbestos puts railroad workers at a greater risk of developing diseases like colon cancer. The lawyers at Hughes Law Offices will consider all possible sources of exposure into account when pursuing damages for a client.
Colorectal cancer is diagnosed using blood tests, stool testing and biopsies from suspicious regions of the rectum or colon. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. are options for treatment. The victim of colon cancer due to their work on the railroad could be able to recover significant compensation for future and past medical expenses and loss of income suffering and other damages.
FELA provides a three-year statute of limitations to file claims against a railroad employer for work-related injuries or illnesses. An attorney for railroad injuries can help evaluate any settlement offer and decide whether it is fair.