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. […]
Railroad Workers High Risk of Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure
Facts vs. Myths About Filing a FELA Claim
Understanding the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and the process of filing a claim is crucial for railroad workers seeking compensation for workplace injuries. However, misconceptions can cloud judgment and deter individuals from pursuing legitimate claims. In this article, our FELA lawyers dispel common myths and provide factual insights to help you navigate the FELA claims process effectively. MYTH: FELA […]
Are You a Railroad Worker Injured on the Job?
The recent Railroad Safety Week recognized across the country is focused on educating the public about making safe decisions around trains and railroad tracks and other rail safety education. According to national statistics, a person or vehicle is hit by a train every three hours in this country. More than 2,100 victims are killed in crossing incidents each year, with […]
How Often Is Asbestosis Misdiagnosed as Chronic Bronchitis?
It has been well documented – and proven in courtroom after courtroom – that breathing in asbestos fibers leads to the development of asbestosis. Asbestosis is long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs that is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. Prolonged exposure to these fibers can cause lung tissue scarring, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Complications […]
FELA and Asbestos Disease Claims
The Federal Employer’s Act (FELA) was enacted by Congress in 1908 to protect and compensate railroad workers injured on the job when the railroad is at least partially negligent in causing the worker’s injuries. FELA is not a workers’ compensation act but is instead fault-based. The injured employee must prove their injury was caused completely or partly by the negligence […]
Railroad Workers, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a very rare – but aggressive and incurable – type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, and due to the railroad industry’s major use of asbestos insulation in various equipment and engines, it has stricken railroad workers hard for many decades. The mesothelium acts as a protective membrane that covers the lungs, abdomen, and heart. The most […]
What Is the Federal Employers’ Act (FELA)?
The Federal Employers’ Act (FELA) was enacted by Congress in 1908 to protect and compensate railroad workers injured on the job if the railroad is at least partially negligent in causing the injuries. FELA is not a workers’ compensation act. It is fault-based and requires a railroad worker to prove their injury was caused either completely or partially by the […]
Overview of the Legal Elements That Must Be Met for an Asbestosis Claim Under the FELA
We recently received a favorable verdict in a case we handled for the estate of a Norfolk Southern carman who passed away from asbestosis and heart disease. After the verdict was returned several of his coworkers were concerned they may suffer from the disease and contacted our office with some questions regarding their risk of developing asbestosis. There is some […]
Understanding the Impact of Coworker Negligence on Your FELA Claim
One of the unique aspects of the protections the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) provides employees may recover under the Act for injuries caused by their fellow employees. A railroad is responsible for injuries to an employee if the negligence of the railroad contributes “even in the slightest” to the cause of the injury. There is a litany of duties […]
Norfolk Jury Returns $5 Million Verdict in Favor of Client Who Passed Away from Asbestos-Related Lung Disease
Our client, a carman, worked at Norfolk Southern’s Lambert’s Point car repair shop for more than a decade. He serviced and changed out asbestos-containing brake shoes at the shop year in and year out breathing in toxic asbestos fibers. After nearly ten years, Norfolk Southern hired abatement contractors to remove asbestos from the car shop. Our client subsequently became very […]