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RAILROAD LUNG CANCER 
Diesel Exhaust Exposure


Railroad Injury Lawyer With Nationwide Success
Freight train on tracks with diesel exhaust

Railroad Cancer Lawyers

Investigating industrial toxic exposures and diesel exhaust cancer claims on behalf of railroad workers nationwide.

Numerous railroad employers across the nation have failed to protect their workers over the decades, resulting in serious toxic exposure cancer cases and occupational lung disease in former employees.

The Lyon Firm is currently investigating diesel exhaust injury claims for railroad workers sickened by diesel exhaust and other industrial toxins. Railroad workers have historically been exposed to asbestos, solvents, fuels, welding fumes, silica, and creosote, leading to long-term health problems like cancer. Employers may be liable for these injuries.

Frequent diesel exhaust exposures at the workplace may be more than just an irritating part of the job. In fact, regular diesel exposure can result in very serious medical conditions, including occupational lung disease and industrial toxic exposure cancers.

Those suffering from a diesel exhaust-related cancer may be entitled to significant compensation for their losses. Contact a toxic exposure lawyer at (513) 381-2333 to begin reviewing your injury claims.

What Do Damages in a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Cover?

Damages in a railroad cancer lawsuit can be extensive and may cover many significant, life-long costs that the injured worker may be facing. These can include:

  • Hospital bills and medical costs, including costs of medication, surgeries, and other treatments
  • Costs not normally covered by standard insurance, such as expenses associated with follow-up therapy and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages (for instance, if one misses long stretches of work due to health issues)
  • Loss of the ability to generate future income (if the person can no longer work due to their condition)
  • Pain and suffering costs
  • Loss of companionship of a loved one
  • Overall reduced quality of life

Other costs may be factored in, including any form of property contamination, such as in the case of the East Palestine train derailment, which may have affected entire neighborhoods.

In cases where large numbers of people have been affected by the same railroad cancer issue, a class action lawsuit may be needed. Cases where a death results may require wrongful death damages as well.

The amount of damages awarded or the size of the settlement will depend on several factors, including the degree of severity of the injuries, as well as the lawyer’s experience and skill. Thus, it’s important to hire an attorney who has proven experience handling railroad cancer and diesel exposure claims.

CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY

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ABOUT THE LYON FIRM

Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.

The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.

NO COST UNLESS WE WIN

The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.

Which Railroad Worker Cancers are Linked to Diesel Exposure?

There are several different illnesses associated with diesel exhaust exposure. Diesel exhaust has been linked in studies to strokes, heart disease, as well as throat, stomach, kidney, pancreatic, and bone marrow cancers.

Some leukemias, also called blood cancers, may be directly caused by toxic exposure to benzene, a component of diesel exhaust. If you or a loved one worked for a railroad company and have been diagnosed with one of the following diesel exhaust inhalation cancers or conditions, you may have a viable claim:

  • 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 

Railroad companies have often failed to provide a safe workplace for employees, and may have failed to warn or train employees about the hazards of diesel exhaust.

After a lung injury or cancer diagnosis, railroad employees may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).Workers’ compensation may also be a factor. Those who have been affected should contact a railroad cancer attorney at (513) 381-2333 to discuss further damages.

Which Railroad Workers Are at Cancer Risk?

RAILROAD MACHINISTS

Railroad shop employees like machinists, pipefitters, and electricians have typically been exposed to a significant amount of diesel exhaust, asbestos, and welding fumes. Railroad shop workers have historically been exposed to a variety of industrial toxins in solvents, degreasers, lubricants, and fuels.

Machinists have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, and multiple myeloma.

LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS/CONDUCTORS/BRAKEMEN

Ideally, diesel exhaust remains outside the cabs of locomotives, but of course that is not always the case. Railroad employees have reported continually cleaning the inside windows of a cab because of the buildup of diesel fuel remnants and toxic debris.

Families of railroad workers can describe the unmistakable odor of diesel exhaust that workers drag back home on their clothing and person. Thus, occupational cancers, pulmonary problems, and blood disorders have been common issues for railroad employees.

CARMEN, TRACKMEN, AND EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Railroad employees who maintain and construct tracks and yards are also exposed to diesel exhaust as they work closely with locomotives and track equipment. Poorly ventilated working conditions, combined with the presence of diesel-powered machines, create a breeding ground for diesel exhaust exposure cancers.

RAILROAD MECHANICS

The mechanics who maintain and repair locomotives and rail cars can be heavily exposed to diesel exhaust. Diesel mechanics often work in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops where engines run in closed spaces.

Mechanics encounter running locomotives which also produce other harmful inhalants like ballast dust. The machinery and buildings may also house asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers, asbestos-containing brake pads and linings.

Where Are Railroad Cancer Cases Concentrated?

Railroad cancer cases are concentrated in numerous railway stations and industrial hubs throughout the U.S., including:

CSX Transportation:

  • June Street Yard
  • Queensgate Yard
  • Storrs Yard
  • Collinwood Yard
  • Clark Avenue Yard
  • Buckeye Yard
  • Columbus Yard
  • Corr Road
  • Parsons Yard
  • Needmore Yard
  • South Lima Yard
  • New River Yard
  • North Baltimore Intermodal Yard
  • Lind Yard
  • Stanley Yard
  • Walbridge Yard
  • Willard Yard
  • Wayne Yard
  • South Hamilton Yard
  • Woods Yard

Norfolk Southern Railway:

  • Bellevue Yard
  • Gest Street Yard
  • Rockport Yard
  • Buckeye Yard
  • Watkins Yard
  • Clare Yard
  • New Reeds Yard
  • Moraine Yard
  • Sharon Yard
  • Air Line Yard

Amtrak:

CSX Transportation:

  • Atkinson Yard
  • Casky Yard
  • Corbin Yard
  • Henderson Yard
  • Loyall Yard
  • O’Bannon Yard
  • Prime F. Osborn Yard
  • Russell Yard
  • Shelby Yard
  • South Louisville Yard

Norfolk Southern Railway:

  • Auto Rack Yard
  • Danville Yard
  • Ludlow Yard
  • Youngtown Yard

BNSF Railway:

Union Pacific Railroad:

Cancer cases may be connected to other railroad locations as well. Contact a lawyer if you have questions about your work specific work site. Many work sites may now be defunct, but the employers may still be liable for injuries sustained, and cancers diagnosed many years later. 

Why Hire The Lyon Firm


The Lyon Firm will help you find answers and rightful compensation. Our law firm has the experience, resources, and dedication to take on difficult and emotional railroad cancer cases and help our clients obtain justice for the wrong they have suffered.

Experience: Joe Lyon is an experienced Toxic Exposure Lawyer. The Lyon Firm has 19 years of experience and success representing individuals and plaintiffs in all fifty states, and in a variety of complex civil litigation matters.

Work Injury lawsuits can be complex and require industry experts to determine the root cause of an illness, accident, or injury. Mr. Lyon has worked with experts nationwide to help individuals understand why an occupational injury occurred and what can be done to improve their lives in the future. 

Resources/Dedication: Mr. Lyon has worked with experts in the fields of accident reconstruction, biomechanics, epidemiology, metallurgy, pharmacology, toxicology, human factors, workplace safety, life care planning, economics, and virtually every medical discipline in successfully representing Plaintiffs across numerous areas of law.

The Lyon Firm is dedicated to building the strongest cases possible for clients and their critical interests.

Results: Mr. Lyon has obtained numerous seven and six-figure results. View our Case Results page to learn more about the types of cases our firm has handled. 

Contact Us to Pursue a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlement

Railroad cancer cases can involve serious, life-threatening medical conditions that create substantial physical, emotional, and financial hardships for the patient. These claims may require legal action to fully resolve.

If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic chemicals while working in a railroad setting, and have since developed cancer, lung conditions, or other illnesses, contact the Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333. We have the legal experience and resources needed to pursue compensation to the fullest extent under the law.

photo of attorney Joe Lyon
A Voice for Those who have suffered

Why are these cases important?

Rightful compensation for plaintiffs can recover sizable settlements and can help pay for mounting medical expenses and other damages that may include long-term disability, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and lost wages. During some of the toughest times in a family’s life, The Lyon Firm can be of assistance.

CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY

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Railroad Cancer and Diesel Exposure FAQ

Can I File A Diesel Exposure Railroad Cancer Lawsuit?

If you were exposed to any chemical or toxin at your workplace, and have developed cancer or a related illness, you are likely to qualify for compensation. Determining liability can be a complex process, but hiring a railroad cancer lawyer can greatly improve your chances of success.

Who Is Responsible For My Injury?

Generally speaking, railroad employers are responsible for educating, training, and protecting employees in high-risk work situations. This means also providing all the proper safety gear and making sure all precautionary equipment is maintained.

If there is an OSHA violation or mismanagement that leads to illness or injury, the employer may be accountable. Contact our attorneys to investigate.

Is It Hard To Win a Railroad Work Injury Case?

The success rates of settlements regarding toxic occupational diesel exposure injury are quite high. It may be necessary to prove that occupational exposure is the primary cause of a lung injury, cancer or other disease, though this is the job of The Lyon Firm, and we have experience in reaching large settlements.

How Can a Railroad Cancer Lawyer Help Me?

A railroad cancer lawyer can perform all of the important tasks related to a lawsuit, such as: researching the law on your behalf, gathering medical documentation, tracing the source of your medical condition, formulating a strong legal strategy, and negotiating for the highest compensation available under the law.

If you or a loved one need legal representation for a railroad cancer lawsuit, contact the Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 to get started on your claim today.

What is the Federal Railroad Safety Act?

The Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA) prevents railroad carriers from retaliating against employees who report hazardous conditions or refuse to work among safety and health hazards. The law ensures workers have the right to receive prompt medical attention when injured.

Your Right to Justice

Filing Occupational Injury Lawsuits

Many of my clients come to me in the hardest moments of their lives. They’ve suffered an occupational lung disease injury, they’ve lost a family member, their health and financial situation has deteriorated. These are serious losses that they may not be able to overcome.

It’s a fear of the future and uncertainty that has driven them to come to a lawyer and to ask, “What available legal rights are there?” in order to add some security for their future. The Lyon Firm takes the lead and guides clients through the process of filing catastrophic workplace injury lawsuits.