Mesothelioma is a rare type of asbestos-induced cancer that develops on the linings of various organs, most often in the “pleura,” which is the lining around the lungs. About 3,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, while about 2,500 people die in mesothelioma-related deaths each year. Railroad workers suffer higher rates of mesothelioma because they were exposed to asbestos in insulation, brakes, […]
Workplace Asbestos Exposure and Railroad Negligence
Mesothelioma Cancers and Asbestos Exposure
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a Virginia Beach mesothelioma/asbestos lawyer can evaluate your case to determine what type of financial compensation you may be entitled to and who the liable parties may be. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we understand how overwhelming and devastating this diagnosis can be and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation […]
When a Worker Has Partial Fault in a FELA Case
If you’ve been injured while working for a railroad company and believe your injury is partially your fault, you may wonder if you can still pursue a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) case. The answer is yes since FELA is what is known as a “purely comparative negligence” statute. This means if a jury finds the railroad and employee both […]
What Does FELA Cover?
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is a crucial federal law enacted in 1908 in the United States. FELA serves as a vital legal framework that protects the rights and interests of railroad workers, providing them with compensation and legal recourse in cases of injury or illness resulting from their work. This act was a significant milestone in workers’ rights, […]
Railroad Workers High Risk of Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that usually affects the protective lining of the lungs or abdomen. Inhaling or swallowing airborne asbestos is the number one cause of mesothelioma over a long period of time. People who have been diagnosed with this form of cancer should contact an experienced Virginia railroad injury attorney to explore what legal options they may have. […]
How Do Railroad Accidents Happen?
Railroad accidents are not as frequent as other types of transportation accidents. As a result, most people may not see them as a serious risk of injury. While trains may be viewed as symbols of a bygone era, they are still actively used throughout the United States, often as trams, commuter trains, metros, and subways. In fact, America is home […]
Can I Sue if I Was Injured in a Railroad Accident?
In 2023, more than 21,100 train accidents took place at highway-railroad grade crossings. These accidents frequently leave victims with devastating financial, emotional, and physical injuries. As with any personal injury accident, if it was the result of another person’s wrongdoing or negligence, you are entitled to compensation. If you have been seriously injured in a train accident, you deserve to […]
What Are My Rights if I Was Injured in a Train Derailment?
Due to their speed and size, train accidents usually involve a considerable amount of damage. When a train transporting hazardous materials derails, it can lead to explosions, fires, damage to the environment, and costly clear-up efforts. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, derailments are the most common type of train accident, with 135,507 taking place since 1975. If you were […]
How Can a Railroad Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Case?
Statistics published by the National Safety Council show that 954 railroad accident fatalities took place in the United States in 2022, marking not only a significant 11% increase from the year before but also the highest fatality rate since 2007. Likewise, in that same year, nonfatal railroad accident injuries rose by 6% from 2021 with a total of 6,252 reported […]
What Do I Need to Know About Train Accident Lawsuits?
Roughly 34 million people use mass transportation, including trains, every day. Sadly, train accidents have spiked in recent years. In fact, in 2022, 954 people were killed in railway accidents, an 11% rise from the 859 who were killed the year before. Being injured in a train wreck is much more complicated than a motor vehicle accident. Not only are […]