Michigan Railroad Cancer | Diesel Toxic Exposure

Michigan Diesel Exhaust Exposure

Hundreds of engineers, conductors, trackmen, signal operators and other railroad workers in Michigan and across the country have been diagnosed with occupational cancers as a result of chronic toxic exposures. Many railroad workers have noted diesel exhaust exposure as a daily problem. Railroad Cancer Attorneys have said that poorly maintained, decades-old locomotives that run exclusively on diesel fuel have contributed greatly to a high number of occupational lung diseases.

Engineers and brakemen used to carry rolls of duct tape on the job to try to tape over cracks in the rail car floors, walls, and windows to keep diesel fumes at bay. Such methods rarely worked, however, to maintain a safe working environment. As a result, many former Michigan railroad workers have hired FELA lawyers and filed toxic exposure lawsuits against negligent employers.

How Are Michigan Railroad Workers Exposed to Diesel Exhaust?

Because a typical train consumes thousands of gallons of diesel fuel, the amount of resulting diesel exhaust can literally be dizzying. Railroad crews may spend an entire day riding in a cab that burns these toxins and have little that separates them from the fumes. Rail yards themselves are no more safe, as diesel engines are running at some capacity almost all day. That puts conductors, engineers, trackmen, carmen, brakemen, pipefitters, electricians, maintenance staff, welders and mechanics at high risk of later developing lung cancer or another related lung disease.

Diesel exhaust is recognized as a lung carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies. Studies have linked chronic and acute diesel exhaust exposure to lung, bladder, laryngeal, throat, stomach, colorectal and kidney cancers.  

The Lyon Firm is reviewing diesel exhaust cancer claims for former railroaders who worked in the following rail yards in Michigan:

• Port Huron: Port Huron Yard
• Battle Creek: Battle Creek Yard
• Flat Rock: Flat Rock Yard
• Flint: Flint Yard, Bristol Yard, McGrew Yard
• Dearborn: Rougemere Yard (CSXT)
• Detroit: Livernois Yard—aka Junction Yard
• Grand Rapids: Hugart Yard
• Kalamazoo: Gearhart Yard
• Lansing: Cory Yard (CN)
• Oakwood Yard (NS)
• Pontiac Yard (CN)
• River Rouge Yard
• Wyoming Yard (CSXT)

What Can Plaintiffs Recover in  Railroad Cancer Lawsuits?

The Lyon Firm can assess your individual case and determine what damages can be sought by former workers and their families. In the past, we have been able to successfully negotiate compensation packages that can include the following:

• Compensation for all medical expenses, including specialist consultations, hospital visits and treatment programs
• Coverage for related medication, surgeries and rehab
• All related medical costs not fully covered by your basic health insurance
• 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 position in the same capacity.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death

What are some High-Risk Rail Yard Tasks?

• Working around diesel exhaust and other toxic materials
• Welding on machinery or track components, aluminum or stainless steel
• Maintaining or repairing boilers
• Painting rail cars, and removing paint
• Air arcing/plasma cutting
• Metal grinding on manganese and rail
• Burning materials, including toxic fuels
• Handling and cutting creosote covered ties
• Dumping ballast
• Working in tunnels filled with diesel fumes
• Demolishing old buildings 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?

There are numerous occupational illnesses that have strong links to exposure to solvents, silica dust, asbestos, diesel exhaust, benzene, creosote and welding fumes, including the following medical conditions:

• 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

Despite better oversight by NIOSH and OSHA that have improved work safety standards, there is still a high risk of toxic exposure at rail yards due to the amount of hazardous substances on site. Acute and chronic toxic exposures are still probable in many cases.

After a confirmed lung disease or cancer diagnosis, Michigan railroaders may be able to file Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) injury claims. If more compensation is necessary to ensure a stable financial future, a personal injury lawsuit may also be considered. Contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options.

Which Michigan Railroad Workers Are at Cancer Risk?

Almost any individual working day after day in a rail yard can be exposed to diesel fuel exhaust and countless other known carcinogens. Many have worked in badly ventilated roundhouses and workshops. The highest risk, however, for those working in Michigan rail yards may be for those working in the following positions:

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

Why Hire The Lyon Firm?

It is critical to carefully consider your legal representation in cancer and diesel exposure cases because you may require the best industry experts to testify on your behalf. It is complex litigation, and you will need an experienced professional to not only build the strongest case possible but to also negotiate on your behalf for the best possible settlement terms.

The Lyon Firm has two decades of experience in filing workplace injury and toxic exposure lawsuits. We have settled numerous six and seven-figure cases for workers nationwide. When your health and future are on the line, it is prudent to choose the best legal counsel available. Our railroad lung cancer lawyers have the resources, the dedication and the experience to take your case and reach a fair settlement. We work on a contingency fee basis, guide you through the legal process and assume all financial risks.