Silicosis
Railroading has been identified as one of the industries with greatest risk for silicosis. Caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, silicosis is 100 percent preventable, though the lung disease is not curable once it has developed. Every year, more than 250 Americans die of silicosis, which has also been associated with bronchitis, tuberculosis and lung cancer in some studies. The exposure to the silica dust can cause lung scarring that makes it difficult to breathe.
Silicosis lawsuits filed by former or current railroad workers have occurred, alleging railroad companies failed to adhere to federal standards until the late 1990s after thousands of workers continued to be at risk for developing silicosis. Successful silicosis lawsuits are especially difficult among railroad employees who must prove the railroad injury was caused by the negligence of the railroad or its agents.
Please contact a FELA lawyer to learn your legal rights and options regarding railroad injuries and silicosis.
Learn more about other types of railroad injuries and dangers:
