A railroad cancer FELA lawsuit was recently filed against Union Pacific Railroad Company by a grieving widow alleging the railroad company failed to prevent her husband’s death.

This Arkansas woman filed this railroad cancer FELA lawsuit after discovering railroad companies were required to provide protective equipment to employees, as well as warnings for handling any potentially dangerous materials. She alleges her husband received neither.

Plaintiff Nadine B. is filing this railroad cancer FELA lawsuit on behalf of her deceased husband Ronald B., who had previously worked for Union Pacific Railroad Company. According to the railroad cancer FELA lawsuit, Ronald had worked for the railroad company from 1971 to 2005 as a fireman and engineer.

During the time of his employment, Nadine claims, Ronald had been exposed to a number of toxic substances including creosote from rail ties, chemical defoliants, asbestos from different locomotive parts and insulation, and benzene from locomotive exhaust.

Overview of Railroad Cancer Risks

The railroad industry has recently become associated with a number of deadly cancers, with former employees reporting being exposed to toxic chemicals during their employment.

Creosote is one of these substances, which is often used on railway ties. Creosote has become widely associated with scrotum and skin cancer, and is considered especially dangerous since it can be absorbed through the skin.

Benzene is another chemical that has been associated with the railroad industry. It’s present in the diesel exhaust of locomotives. Like creosote, benzene can also be absorbed through the skin and is considered a high risk carcinogen.

Asbestos is the other well known dangerous substance found in the railroad industry, utilized for insulation in piping. Asbestos was popularly used for its fire and chemical resistant qualities.

Due to regular exposure to these chemicals, railroad employees are at risk for a number of cancers, including but not limited to:

• Bladder Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Throat Cancer
• Leukemia

In alleged result of being exposed to these toxic chemicals on a regular basis, Ronald had developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Ronald later died from these diseases on Feb. 3, 2015, leaving Nadine to file this railroad cancer FELA lawsuit.

Nadine alleges the railroad company did not take enough precautionary measures to protect her husband and other employees, who were also most likely exposed to deadly substances. Nadine is filing this railroad cancer FELA lawsuit alleging multiple counts of negligence including failure to provide adequate safety warnings, a safe work environment or protective equipment, as well as failing to properly monitor and test railroad facilities and equipment.

The lawsuit also says the railroad failed to install a proper engine exhaust filter, which would have lowered benzene exposure.

Nadine is also seeking damages for wrongful death, stating her husband would still be alive if not for the negligence of Union Pacific Railroad Company.

This Railroad Cancer FELA Lawsuit is Case No. 8:18-cv-00036, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska.