Railroad Worker Asbestos Exposure
The railroad industry relied heavily on asbestos for decades due to its heat-resistance and insulating properties, exposing countless workers to this toxic substance. Thus, many railroad workers have developed mesothelioma, a devastating cancer with one known cause—asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one worked in the railroad industry and have developed this disease, Bergman Oslund Udo Little can help you understand your options to pursue legal action and recover the compensation you deserve.
Chandler H. Udo, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: November 13, 2024
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, we have been fighting for the rights of mesothelioma victims since 1995. Our compassionate attorneys work closely with each client to understand their unique story and build a compelling case to hold negligent corporations accountable. We recognize the physical, emotional, and financial toll a mesothelioma diagnosis takes on families and are committed to providing the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time. With over $1 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, we have the experience and resources to help you pursue justice.
What Are Railroad Workers' Compensation Options Under FELA?
Under the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA, railroad workers diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to significant compensation. Unlike employees in most other industries, railroad workers can sue their employers for work-related illnesses and injuries. Enacted in 1908, FELA allows railroad employees who are injured or become ill due to their employer’s negligence to seek damages. To recover under FELA, the worker must prove that the railroad failed to provide a reasonably safe work environment and that this negligence caused or contributed to their illness.
Compensation available through a FELA claim includes:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the worker has died from mesothelioma, their surviving family members can pursue a FELA wrongful death claim to recover:
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support the deceased would have provided
- Lost care, guidance, and companionship
- The deceased’s conscious pain and suffering before death
Our knowledgeable FELA asbestos attorneys can help you understand your rights and options under this complex law. We have a proven track record of success in holding railroads accountable for failing to protect workers from asbestos and other hazards.
Our team will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence of the railroad’s negligence, and tenaciously advocate for the fair compensation you and your family need to cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
How Are Railroad Workers Exposed to Asbestos?
Asbestos was widely used by railroads from the 1930s to the 1980s in a variety of applications, including:
- Insulation on boilers, steam pipes, and in locomotive cabs
- Fireproofing in passenger cars and cabooses
- Brake shoes, clutches, and gaskets
- Cement ties and roadbed fill
- Tiles and insulation in railroad buildings
Railroad workers in numerous occupations faced exposure when these asbestos-containing materials were installed, maintained, repaired, or removed. The tight confines of locomotive cabs and repair shops increased exposure risks as workers inhaled the microscopic fibers released into the air. Over time, these fibers can become trapped in the lungs and lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Trades at particularly high risk include boilermakers, pipefitters, carpenters, electricians, machinists, welders, and brakemen. Sadly, the railroads did not warn many of the dangers of asbestos or provide proper protective equipment, greatly increasing their workers’ risk of developing mesothelioma.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure Risks for Railroad Workers and Their Families
Many railroad workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, skin, and hair, placing their spouses and children at risk for secondary exposure. Family members who laundered contaminated clothing or shared living spaces with workers have developed mesothelioma years later as a result of this take-home exposure. Under FELA, family members with mesothelioma and railroad workers may be entitled to compensation from the negligent railroad. Our compassionate attorneys understand the devastation secondary exposure causes families and are committed to holding railroads fully accountable.
Speak to a Railroad Worker Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
If you or a family member worked in the railroad industry and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the dedicated attorneys at Bergman Oslund Udo Little are here to help. We can explain your legal rights and fight tirelessly to help you secure the financial recovery you need and deserve.
Contact us online or call 206-957-9510 in Washington or 503-447-6230 in Oregon to schedule a free consultation. Let our team help you navigate this difficult time and pursue the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Lawyers
Check out our answers to frequently asked questions about railroad workers diagnosed with mesothelioma.
How Do I File a Railroad Worker Asbestos Exposure Lawsuit?
The first step is contacting an experienced FELA attorney who can assess your case and advise you on the process. Your lawyer will investigate your exposure history, gather medical records and other evidence, file the necessary paperwork with the railroad and the court, and advocate for your interests throughout the legal process. Our attorneys have decades of experience pursuing FELA claims for mesothelioma and railroad workers. We can guide you through each step of your claim so you can focus on your health and family.
Why Is Mesothelioma So Common in Railroad Workers?
Railroads used asbestos extensively in locomotives, rail cars, and buildings for heat shielding, insulation, and fireproofing. This widespread use regularly exposed workers to the dangerous fibers, often in confined spaces with poor ventilation. Over time, inhaling these fibers causes damage and inflammation that can lead to mesothelioma, and railroad workers are at significant risk. Studies have shown railroad workers have significantly higher mesothelioma rates than the general population.
When Did the Railroads Stop Using Asbestos?
While railroads began to phase out asbestos in the 1970s due to rising public health concerns, it remained in use for certain applications through the 1980s. Some older locomotives, rail cars, and railroad buildings today still contain legacy asbestos materials that could pose a risk if disturbed. Current and former railroad workers need to monitor their health closely and see a doctor right away if they develop symptoms of an asbestos-related disease.
Which Railroad Workers Are at the Greatest Risk of Mesothelioma?
Those at most significant risk include workers who have directly handled asbestos materials, such as boilermakers, pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, and machinists. Train crew members are also at elevated risk due to exposure to asbestos in aging locomotive components.
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