August 1, 2025, is World Lung Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about lung cancer and highlighting the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment. For many people, lung cancer is an unfortunate reality that they have to face, but for certain occupational groups, the risk of developing lung cancer is significantly heightened due to exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. Railroad workers are one such group, with decades of asbestos exposure putting them at a higher risk for developing lung cancer, including mesothelioma.
Asbestos, once widely used in railroad maintenance and construction due to its heat resistance and durability, is a known carcinogen. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause severe damage to the lungs, leading to a variety of serious respiratory conditions, including different types of lung cancer. In this blog post, we will examine the types of lung cancer that railroad workers are at risk of developing due to asbestos exposure and explore the legal remedies available to those who have been affected.
Types of Lung Cancer Linked to Asbestos Exposure in Railroad Workers
Asbestos exposure has been directly linked to a variety of respiratory diseases, with lung cancer being one of the most serious consequences. Railroad workers, who were exposed to asbestos for decades through materials like brake pads, insulation, and locomotive components, are particularly at risk. Below are the key types of lung cancer that railroad workers may develop as a result of asbestos exposure:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all cases. It generally develops in the epithelial cells of the lung and is further divided into subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos over extended periods are at an increased risk of developing NSCLC, particularly adenocarcinoma, which has been linked to asbestos-related lung damage. Asbestos fibers can cause scarring in the lungs, leading to mutations in the cells that develop into cancerous tumors.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a much rarer but more aggressive form of lung cancer, accounting for about 15% of all cases. While smoking is the leading cause of SCLC, exposure to asbestos also significantly increases the likelihood of developing this aggressive cancer. Railroad workers who smoked while working around asbestos-laden materials face an even greater risk of developing SCLC. SCLC is known for its rapid growth and tendency to metastasize, making it harder to treat and manage.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of cancer that affects the pleura—the protective lining around the lungs. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and is often diagnosed decades after the initial exposure. Railroad workers were commonly exposed to asbestos in the form of insulation around steam pipes, boilers, and other equipment, thereby significantly increasing their risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Due to its long latency period, mesothelioma can go undetected for years, often until the disease has reached an advanced and difficult-to-treat stage.
Legal Remedies for Railroad Workers Diagnosed with Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Railroad workers diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure have several legal remedies available to them. The law provides avenues for workers to seek compensation for the harm caused by asbestos exposure, including medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death claims. Below are some of the primary legal options for railroad workers who have developed lung cancer due to asbestos exposure:
Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) Claims
FELA is a critical law that allows railroad workers to file lawsuits against their employer for injuries sustained on the job. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, FELA requires railroad workers to prove that the employer’s negligence contributed to their injury or illness. In the case of asbestos-related lung cancer, workers must show that the railroad company failed to provide a safe work environment despite knowing the dangers of asbestos exposure. A successful FELA claim can result in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Some railroad companies that were historically involved in the widespread use of asbestos have since declared bankruptcy due to the high volume of lawsuits filed by workers suffering from asbestos-related diseases. In these cases, asbestos trust funds were established to compensate victims. These trust funds hold billions of dollars in assets, specifically set aside to pay claims for illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The major existing class one railroads have not established such trusts, as by definition, trusts are administering claims for defunct rail lines.
Wrongful Death Claims
Sadly, many railroad workers exposed to asbestos do not survive long enough to file claims themselves. In these cases, family members of the deceased worker may be able to pursue wrongful death claims. This legal action seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable and provide financial compensation to surviving family members for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support that the deceased worker would have provided.
The Role of an Experienced FELA Injury Lawyer
Given the complexity of asbestos-related diseases and the legal processes involved, railroad workers and their families should seek the guidance of an experienced FELA lawyer. A skilled attorney can help assess the full extent of damages, identify all potential sources of compensation, and navigate the legal system to secure a fair settlement or award.
An experienced lawyer can assist with:
- Gathering necessary medical evidence to prove the link between asbestos exposure and the lung cancer diagnosis.
- Investigating the history of the railroad company and any relevant manufacturers to identify all liable parties.
- Filing FELA claims, lawsuits against manufacturers, and wrongful death claims.
- Negotiating with insurance companies, asbestos trust funds, and manufacturers to ensure maximum compensation.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp Today
If you are a railroad worker who has been diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to contact an experienced FELA injury lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Our firm can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, gather evidence to support your case, and negotiate or litigate to secure the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys are dedicated to getting our clients and their families the financial compensation they deserve, like the $8.6 million wrongful death award we obtained for one client who, shortly after retiring, was diagnosed with lung cancer, which he and his doctors attributed to decades of on-the-job exposures to asbestos, diesel fumes, and radiation.