New York Railroad Cancer Lawyers | Toxic Diesel Exposure

Railroad Workers Cancer Lawsuits

For well over a century, New York has been at the heart of American commerce and has been one of the busiest transportation hubs on the East Coast, connecting crucial shipping lanes to the Midwest and the South. The railroads are still an integral part of the country’s economic success. Unfortunately, many New York railroad work sites have been contaminated by diesel fumes and other cancer-causing materials.

The Lyon Firm is reviewing diesel exhaust injury claims for railroad workers nationwide. Many former employees have fallen ill after years of exposure to diesel and other toxic materials. Workers have reported past exposure to diesel fumes, asbestos, solvents, fuels, welding fumes, silica, and creosote. Even a small amount of occupational exposure can cause long-term health conditions, and chronic exposure can greatly raise the risk of later developing certain types of cancer.  

Our occupational cancer attorneys can represent you and your loved ones in important cases that can hold negligent employers accountable for injuries and adverse medical conditions. We believe the railroads have a duty to protect workers and to properly compensate any victim of toxic exposure and railroad diesel fuel cancer. Workers at the following rail yards may be at an increased risk of developing an occupational lung disease:

• Binghamton – East Binghamton Yard (NS)
• Middle Yard (NS)
• Bevier Street Yard (NS)
• Buffalo: Bison Yard (NS), Black Rock Rail Yard (CN), Frontier Yard (CSXT)
• East Syracuse: De Witt Yard (CSXT)
• Mechanicville (Pan Am Southern, intermodal)
• Arlington Yard (Staten Island Railway)
• High Bridge Facility (Metro-North Passenger and Maintenance Yard)
• Hillside Facility (LIRR Passenger Yard)
• Oak Point Yard (CSXT Marshalling)
• Sunnyside Yard (Amtrak, NJ Transit Passenger Yard)
• West Side Yard (LIRR Passenger Yard)
• Rochester: Brooks Avenue Yard (Rochester and Southern RR), Goodman Street Yard (CSXT)

What Are the Known Cancer Risks of Diesel Exhaust Exposure?

Studies have noted an increased risk for lung cancer in former railroad employees with chronic exposure to diesel fumes at various rail yards. Other cancers and serious medical conditions possibly linked to diesel fuel exposure include 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

After confirming the development of cancer or a related toxic exposure injury, former New York Railroad employees may file for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Workers’ compensation may also be sought, but to avoid conflicting claims and personal injury settlement terms, victims should be sure to consult a New York Railroad Cancer Lawyer.

What New York Railroad Workers Face Cancer Risks?

Almost any rail yard employee who spent a great deal of time in the field could have been at risk due to the pervasive diesel fumes in the area. Even residents in surrounding areas have complained of the stench of diesel smoke in their homes. Many workers at rail yards have reported returning to their families at night and smelling like diesel as it stuck to their hair, skin and clothing.

The highest risk of developing cancer has been found in those workers who worked long hours in poorly ventilated work shops. Diesel mechanics and machinists have filed claims against employers for failing to provide a safer work environment in this regard.

Many yardmen and track maintenance crews handled rail ties coated with creosote and coal tar pitch that contains heavy industrial chemicals that have been known to cause cancer. Many rail company staff worked with and around asbestos materials up until the 1980s.

Conductors, engineers, brakemen, carmen, pipefitters and electricians also faced serious occupational cancer risk due to constant exposure to fuels, solvents, asbestos, silica dust and benzene.

Why Hire The Lyon Firm?

When you consider who to hire during the most difficult time in your life, it is important to weigh the risks versus the rewards. Our firm assumes all financial risks by accepting your case, so you can rest easy and focus on your health and spend time with your family.

We have a long track record of success, and we have settled many toxic exposure and work injury cases for six and seven figures. We encourage our prospective clients to call Joe Lyon to discuss your case. We offer free and confidential consultations.