For decades, railroad workers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos while performing their daily duties. Many spent years working in environments where asbestos was prevalent in locomotive insulation, brake pads, and maintenance yards. Today, the consequences of that exposure have come to light, with many retired railroad workers developing asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer.
If you are a retired railroad worker facing an asbestos-related diagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation without ever stepping into a courtroom. With more than $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds, financial relief is within reach. Sammons & Berry, P.C. specializes in helping railroad retirees navigate the claims process, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Asbestos Exposure in the Railroad Industry
Railroad employees, particularly those who worked before the 1980s, were at significant risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a staple material in rail operations, used extensively due to its fire-resistant properties. Workers who maintained and repaired locomotives or worked in rail yards were frequently exposed to airborne asbestos fibers.
Some of the most common sources of exposure in the railroad industry included:
- Locomotive Insulation – Steam and diesel engines were insulated with asbestos to manage high temperatures, putting workers who repaired these engines in direct contact with asbestos materials.
- Brakes and Clutches – Asbestos was a primary component in train brake pads and clutches. When these parts were replaced or repaired, asbestos dust would be released into the air.
- Gaskets and Seals – Trains and railcars used asbestos-containing gaskets and seals, which workers had to cut, remove, or replace, exposing them to harmful fibers.
- Railcar Interiors and Maintenance Facilities – Asbestos was used for fireproofing railcars, and maintenance yards were often filled with asbestos dust from repairs.
Many workers were unknowingly inhaling asbestos fibers daily, and because these fibers remain in the lungs and other tissues for years, serious health conditions can develop decades after exposure.
Cancers Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is one of the most devastating asbestos-related diseases, known for its aggressive nature and long latency period. This rare form of cancer affects the mesothelium, the protective lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Unlike many other cancers, mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Railroad workers who handled asbestos-containing materials or worked in contaminated environments are particularly at risk.
The disease often remains undetected for 20 to 50 years after exposure, with symptoms appearing subtly before progressing rapidly. Early signs include persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs or abdomen. Due to its aggressive progression, treatment options are often limited to palliative care, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. Compensation for mesothelioma patients can provide critical financial relief for medical bills, lost wages, and support for family members.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is another serious health risk associated with prolonged asbestos exposure. Unlike mesothelioma, which originates in the mesothelium, lung cancer begins in the lung tissue itself and can spread to other parts of the body. Retired railroad workers who inhaled asbestos fibers during their careers may develop lung cancer decades later, often mistaking early symptoms for less severe respiratory conditions.
Symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood should never be ignored. Even non-smokers who were exposed to asbestos have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer. Compensation options for lung cancer patients include settlements from asbestos trust funds, which can help cover medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Throat Cancer
Asbestos fibers can cause severe damage to the throat over time, leading to cancers of the larynx and pharynx. Laryngeal cancer, which affects the voice box, and pharyngeal cancer, which impacts the upper throat, are both linked to prolonged asbestos exposure.
Workers who were regularly exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, especially those in poorly ventilated spaces, may have unknowingly inhaled harmful particles that settled in the throat lining. Symptoms of throat cancer often include chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a persistent sore throat, and a lump in the neck. Compensation for throat cancer patients can help with medical costs, rehabilitation, and loss of earning capacity due to the disease.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer develops in the tube connecting the throat and stomach, often as a result of prolonged exposure to carcinogenic substances like asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can lodge in the esophageal lining, leading to cellular damage and, over time, malignant growths.
Symptoms of esophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing, persistent chest pain, chronic acid reflux, and unintentional weight loss. Because it often remains undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage, early screening is essential for individuals with a history of asbestos exposure. Compensation claims for esophageal cancer victims can provide essential financial relief, helping to cover treatment costs and long-term care needs.
Stomach Cancer
Swallowed asbestos fibers can settle in the digestive tract, increasing the risk of stomach cancer. Railroad workers who inhaled asbestos dust may have inadvertently ingested the fibers, which can cause chronic inflammation in the stomach lining and, over time, lead to cancerous growths.
Symptoms of stomach cancer include nausea, bloating, persistent abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Because early symptoms often mimic less serious gastrointestinal issues, diagnosis is frequently delayed. Compensation for stomach cancer patients can support medical treatments, ongoing care, and the financial well-being of affected families.
Colon Cancer
Research has shown a strong link between asbestos exposure and colorectal cancer. Once ingested, asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and genetic damage in the cells lining the colon, increasing the likelihood of cancer development.
Symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal discomfort, and fatigue. Early detection is key to improving survival rates, but many retired workers do not realize their risk until symptoms become severe. Compensation for colon cancer victims can provide financial security, helping to cover medical treatments, loss of income, and necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Compensation Options for Retired Railroad Workers
Asbestos Trust Funds
More than $30 billion remains available in asbestos trust funds, established to compensate individuals who were harmed by asbestos exposure. Workers can file claims directly with these funds by providing medical records and employment history as proof of exposure. Sammons & Berry, P.C. assists clients in gathering the necessary documentation and filing successful claims to secure maximum compensation.
Out-of-Court Settlements
Many companies that manufactured or used asbestos products prefer to settle claims outside of court. Settlements allow victims to receive compensation more quickly without the uncertainty of litigation. These funds can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages associated with an asbestos-related diagnosis.
Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) Claims
Railroad workers may be eligible for compensation under FELA, which allows employees to sue their employers for failing to provide a safe work environment. FELA claims often result in higher settlements than standard workers’ compensation claims, covering medical costs, loss of income, and emotional distress caused by asbestos-related illnesses.
Upgrading Previous Claims
If a retired railroad worker previously filed a claim for a non-cancerous asbestos-related condition, such as asbestosis or pleural plaques, and later developed cancer, they may be eligible for additional compensation. Many asbestos trust funds allow for revised claims when a more serious diagnosis occurs. Sammons & Berry, P.C. can help clients revisit and upgrade their previous claims to ensure they receive the full financial support they deserve.
Compensation Without a Cancer Diagnosis
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. It leads to lung scarring, breathing difficulties, and a persistent cough. While not cancerous, asbestosis can severely impact an individual’s quality of life, making them eligible for compensation through trust funds or settlements.
Pleural Plaques and Pleural Thickening
Pleural plaques are hardened tissue deposits in the lung lining caused by asbestos exposure. Though they are not life-threatening, their presence indicates significant exposure and may serve as evidence in compensation claims. Pleural thickening, which can impair lung function, may also be covered under asbestos trust funds.
Other Respiratory Conditions
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other restrictive lung diseases have been linked to asbestos exposure. These conditions can be debilitating, requiring ongoing medical treatment and reducing work capacity. Sammons & Berry, P.C. helps affected individuals explore their compensation options.
Act Now to Secure Your Compensation
Time limits apply to asbestos-related claims, and waiting too long could result in lost compensation opportunities. Trust funds are finite, making it crucial to file claims as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness or suffer from a non-cancerous asbestos condition, Sammons & Berry, P.C. can help. Our experienced legal team will guide you through the claims process, maximizing your compensation so you can focus on your health and well-being.
Contact Sammons & Berry, P.C. Today
Don’t wait—reach out to Sammons & Berry, P.C. for a free consultation. Our team specializes in securing compensation for retired railroad workers, ensuring they receive the financial support they deserve without the stress of lengthy legal battles. Call today to take the first step toward financial relief.
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