Kirk Yard Diesel Exhaust Exposure | Railroad Cancer Lawyers

Indiana Railroad Cancer Lawsuits

The Gary, Indiana Kirk Yard has been a major transportation hub for well over 75 years, connecting Chicago and the rest of the Midwest railroad network with the US Steel Gary Works. Thousands of workers over the years have been injured on the job, many of whom have later fallen ill with occupational cancers like lung cancer and other serious medical conditions.

Representing former Kirk Yard and US Steel Gary Works employees who have fallen ill due to chronic toxic exposure

The Canadian National Railway (CN) hump yard served the active U.S. Steel Gary mill as well as the nearby Chicago area to the west. Many railroad workers, regardless of location, have faced a myriad of health and safety risks throughout their career. Many former employees have complained that after a day’s work at a rail yard, they returned home smelling like diesel fumes, the heavy toxin baked into their hair, skin and work clothes. Diesel exhaust has been a major concern in this line of work because it has been linked closely to an increased risk for lung cancer and other severe lung diseases.

Workers have also faced significant toxic exposure to other industrial toxins like solvents, benzene, silica dust, welding fumes, asbestos and creosote. Those who may have been at the highest risk worked in small, enclosed work spaces. Some high-risk positions at the Kirk Yard may include the following:

• Maintenance Crews
• Diesel Mechanics
• Machinists
• Engineers
• Signal Operators
• Engineers
• Conductors
• Yardmen
• Trackmen
• Carmen
• Brakemen
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Welders

Can I File a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit?

Any current or former worker at Kirk Yard who spend years around known cancer-causing agents, and later gets a confirmed cancer diagnosis can consider taking legal action against a former employer. If the employer failed to adhere to basic OSHA safety guidelines, failed to provide safety gear, and failed to train workers on the health risks of the job, they may be held liable for damages that result.

The following damages can be sought in a rail yard occupational cancer settlement:

• Past, current, and future hospital expenses and medical costs
• Medication Costs
• All treatment expenses, including specialist consultations
• Reimbursement for related surgeries and long-term rehab programs
• Lost wages if you left work due to illness
• Lost future earnings if you cannot return to the workplace in the same capacity
• Loss of quality of life, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship

What Types of Cancers Are Linked to Diesel Exposure?

Numerous medical conditions and lung diseases have been reportedly linked to chronic diesel fumes exposure. The following cancers and illnesses have been connected to work in the railroad industry:

• Lung Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Aplastic Anemia
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Emphysema
• RADS (Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome)
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Pulmonary Fibrosis

The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) is a good resource and a good place to start for railroad employees who are injured or fall ill on the job. Workers’ compensation may also be a big help for individuals. However, for more comprehensive financial assistance, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the best course of action. Contact an Indiana Railroad Cancer Lawyer to discuss your case, and to begin filing the proper claims to ensure a better future for you and your family.