Massachusetts Railroad Diesel Cancer Lawsuits

Massachusetts Diesel Exposure Lawyer

It may come as no surprise to many former and current railyard workers recently diagnosed with an occupational cancer, but the railroad industry has used many hazardous, carcinogenic chemicals and solvents for decades. Workers frequently came into contact with benzene, diesel, asbestos, silica, creosote, welding fumes and other toxins. As a result, many workers across the nation, including in Massachusetts, faced a daily assault of heavy chemical and diesel exposure, leading to the development of cancers and other serious respiratory conditions.

The toxic exposure lawyers at The Lyon Firm represent new clients in all fifty states following any injury or illness related to railroad employment. If any former employer was negligent in protecting your health and safety, you may have a viable case. Contact our legal team for a free consultation.

How Are Massachusetts Railroaders Exposed to Diesel Exhaust?

Diesel locomotives emit huge clouds of diesel fumes, and can fill rail yards at times. Almost anyone who spent years or decades around a rail yard can attest to the fact that the smell of diesel fuel and other strong industrial chemicals is pervasive. Employers have a duty in any position to protect workers to the best of their ability with proper training and safety gear. If they fail to adhere to basic OSHA safety guidelines they may have in violation of law and can be held accountable.

The Lyon Firm is reviewing railroad cancer claims for  current and former employees at the following rail yards in Massachusetts:

• Beacon Park Yard
• Iron Horse Park (Billerica Repair Shops)
• Boston Engine Terminal (MBTA)
• Southampton Street Yard (MBTA/Amtrak)
• Readville Yard
• Ayer: Hill Yard (Pan Am)
• East Deerfield (Pan Am)
• Fitchburg (Pan Am)
• Gardner
• Lawrence
• Lowell
• Framingham: North Yard / Nevins Yards
• Palmer
• West Springfield
• Worcester (CSXT/PW)
• Various Grafton & Upton yards

What Can You Recover in a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit?

The occupational cancer attorneys at The Lyon Firm will assess your unique case and determine what damages can be sought. In the past, our firm has been able to successfully negotiate compensation packages that included the following:

• Compensation medical expenses, specialist consultations, hospital visits and treatment programs related to any job-related injury or illness
• Coverage for related medication, surgeries and rehabilitation
• All medical expenses not fully covered by your current health insurance plan
• Expenses related to follow-up therapy and long-term disability
• Lost earnings if a worker has to stop working due to an occupational illness or injury
• Loss of future earnings if a worker cannot return to the same or similar position at the same pay grade
• Job training programs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death

What Makes Rail Yards High-Risk?

• Constant inhalation of diesel exhaust and other toxic gasses
• Welding work on machinery or track components, aluminum or stainless steel
• Maintaining or repairing boilers and diesel engines
• Working in poorly ventilated workspaces
• Painting and removing paint from rail cars
• Air arcing/plasma cutting
• Burning toxic materials, including fuels and rail ties
• Handling and cutting creosote covered ties
• Dumping ballast rock
• Working in tunnels filled with diesel exhaust
• Demolishing old buildings and roundhouses that may contain asbestos
• Using degreasers, adhesives, solvents and other industrial chemicals
• Plumbing and pipefitting
• Electrical work
• Handling pesticides

What Cancers Are Linked to Diesel Exposure?

Several serious medical conditions and cancers have been linked to work at rail yards, including the following:

• 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

With the advent of federal safety agencies like NIOSH and OSHA, work safety standards have improved, but there is still a high risk of toxic exposure at rail yards due to the amount of toxic substances on site. Acute and chronic toxic exposures to carcinogenic materials are still probable for many workers.

After a confirmed lung disease or cancer diagnosis, Massachusetts railroad workers may be able to file Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) injury claims. Personal injury lawsuits may also be considered if the compensation provided is not enough for you and your family. Contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options, and to begin the claim process.

Which Massachusetts Railroad Workers Are at Cancer Risk?

Thousands of staff at railroads have fallen ill over the last few decades, many of whom have developed cancers directly related to the strong chemicals they handles on a daily basis. Any worker who handled asbestos insulation, creosote, benzene products, silica, herbicides and welding equipment may be at risk. The highest risk jobs and careers at rail yards may include the following:

• Conductors and engineers
• Trackmen, carmen, brakemen
• Signal operators
• Diesel mechanics
• Machinists
• Pipefitters and plumbers
• Electricians
• Welders
• Painters
• Track maintenance crews

Why Hire The Lyon Firm?

The toxic exposure attorneys at The Lyon Firm work diligently to move your case forward for a quick and valuable settlement. We believe very strongly that any railroader that has developed cancer as a result of employer negligence has a right to full compensation. We have the experience, dedication and resources to take your case and seek a financially stable future for you and your family.