Railroad Silica Exposure Lawyer
A major hazard associated with railroad work is exposure to silica and its derivatives. This hazard mostly affects members of maintenance of way crews, but anyone working close to these substances is at risk of illness or injury.
Even though most of these injuries are unavoidable, it doesn’t mean you’re entitled to compensation. Unlike most other industries, railroads aren’t required to provide workers’ compensation protection to their workers. To get the compensation they need to get well, injured railroad workers often must sue their employers.
This is something that you may be able to pursue with the help of a railroad silica attorney. You can rely on them to gather evidence of an employer’s negligence, to link your losses to silica exposure, and to protect your interests in settlement negotiations and in court. Contact a railroad injury attorney to learn how they can assist you.
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What is the Danger of Silica?
Minerals such as soil, sand, and granite contain silica. After workers use tools to smooth rocks or other silicate-containing materials, silica often circulates in the air, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. As a result of braking with sand, these silicates may be inhaled by the conductor. Inhaling these small particles causes the silicates to penetrate lung cells.
Maintenance of way employees may also be exposed to silica. Those who work on tracks are exposed to silica when dumping ballast or smoothing rail surfaces. There are similar risks for trackmen and machine operators working close to laborers laying tracks.
What Are the Effects of Silicate Exposure?
Silicate exposure can have devastating effects. Rock particles are so small that neither the nose nor mouth can prevent them from entering the lungs. A condition called silicosis may be caused by prolonged exposure. Shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or even death can result from this condition. An experienced railroad silica lawyer could assist railroad employees with connecting their current condition to their time working on the railroad.
Employers may be liable in certain circumstances
A silicosis diagnosis is serious. However, even if a worker proves that railroad employment caused their condition, they may not be entitled to compensation.
If you or a member of your family has been injured or diagnosed with a railroad related disease, Please contact one of the members of our team if you have any questions. Call (855) 205-9689 or fill out or short contact form.