Railroad Lawsuits and AsthmaRailroad workers often are exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals such as silica, creosote, and asbestos. These exposures can cause pulmonary disorders such as asthma.Fortunately, the victims could be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. A good railroad lawsuit asthma lawyer can assist. Here are a few examples of settlements and verdicts.Diesel ExhaustSince trains run on diesel fuel, most railroad employees are exposed to a variety of diesel fumes during the day. These fumes are composed of soot particles, as well as toxic chemicals. The exposure to these fumes can contribute to the development of asthma and other lung diseases.For decades railroads have been conscious of the dangers that come with diesel exhaust. However numerous companies have failed to take appropriate measures to protect their employees. Some railroad workers have contracted respiratory illnesses that are debilitating.In conjunction with other workplace hazards such as asbestos, silica or creosote, exposure to diesel fumes can cause the development of life-changing pulmonary illnesses, such as asthma. These ailments can prevent railroad workers from returning to their work and may reduce the quality of their lives.In one instance, our attorneys successfully defended an FELA claim asserted by a former engineer who claimed to have developed leukemia and other cancers due to his exposure to diesel fumes and other toxic chemicals while working on railway equipment. The court granted summary judgment for the railroads that were defendants. The court ruled that Plaintiff had not conducted an informed search about his condition when he was diagnosed and that his claims are barred by time.DustRail workers are exposed to different dusts, including silica from ballasts as well as coal dust. They are also exposed to chemical or petroleum fuels. These harmful substances can be harmful to health and can trigger respiratory illnesses like asthma.cancer lawsuit  has assisted many people pursue compensation for exposure to these substances. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with certain diseases to claim their employers are accountable for failing to safeguard workers from hazardous work environments.For example the case of a Montana jury gave $3.7 million to a former locomotive engineer who was suffering from the condition known as pulmonary fibrosis. It is a progressive lung disease caused by scarring of the lung tissue. In his FELA claim, it was claimed that breathing diesel fumes hundreds perhaps thousands of times contributed to the onset and progress of his lung disease. Jurors were not persuaded by the defense experts' testimony that the locomotive engineer's lung condition could have a different source.Similar to that, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club successfully sued BNSF railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train travels through the Gorge it pollutes the sensitive plant and wildlife habitat, stream tributary wetlands and the Columbia River with coal dust and debris. As a result of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge and other locations.AsbestosRailroad workers have been exposed to dangerous chemicals. Although asbestos has been largely eliminated from the workplace, other harmful materials still remain. Chemical solvents have been proven to cause asthma and respiratory ailments. This is why railroad workers may file lawsuits to recover damages from the companies that hired them.In one instance one case, a 61-year-old locomotive engineer received $2.6 million after a jury verdict found that his job at the railroad caused him to suffer from diesel asthma. This illness caused him to be on medical leave and lose wages. He also had to undergo two back surgeries, including an lumbar spinal fusion with multiple levels all of which added up to considerable medical costs.He admitted that while working at different railways he was exposed to diesel exhaust fumes strong smells, silica dust particles, spray paints and chemical compounds, black smoke, motor grease, welding and engine oil.  Bladder cancer lawsuit  and his throat hurt. He also had difficulty swallowing. He also suffered from chronic allergies and bronchitis.The railroads successfully argued that releases the plaintiff signed in 1996 should be void for his new suit because he knew of the risk at the time he was exposed asbestos. Hughes Law Offices argued that the statute should be tolled until the plaintiff is diagnosed with cancer to give him time to seek medical attention and determine if the disease is linked to his work.Poor VentilationIf you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lung cancer mesothelioma, lung diseases, or other types of cancer that may be related to working in the railroad industry, you could have the right to bring a lawsuit under FELA against the corporation who employed you. FELA lawsuits can award compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering and pain. Contact  Leukemia lawsuit  to discuss your case.A jury awarded an ex- Conrail engineer $2.6 million in his occupational illness trial after finding that the retired engineer's asthma, which is a chronic problem, was caused by his nearly constant exposure to diesel exhaust fumes as he working on rail yards to work with locomotives. The plaintiff's attorneys argued that the railroad was unable to stop this kind of exposure through the lack of adequate ventilation in the cabs of locomotives.In addition to the diesel fumes railroad workers breathe, they frequently come into contact with toxic chemicals and other harmful substances in their job. Asbestos, benzene and other carcinogens are frequently found in construction and maintenance materials. These harmful materials can cause various types of cancers and serious health conditions including asthma.A Houston FELA attorney can help you make an employer accountable for their negligence if you suffer from asthma resulting from your railroad work, or if your loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer that is linked to the railroad industry. If you contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you can you will have the best chances of receiving the financial compensation that you are entitled to for your pain and losses.