As many as 1.3 million people in the U.S. go to a workplace where they’re exposed to asbestos every day, according to estimates by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Mesothelioma (a deadly asbestos-related cancer) has been linked to asbestos exposure in workplaces (e.g. the railroad, mining, construction, etc.).
If that wasn’t bad enough, there is evidence between a horrific synergistic effect between asbestos exposure and smoking cigarettes. In fact, several studies have found that workers who regularly smoked and were exposed to asbestos had a 50 to 80 fold relative risk increase of developing cancer over non-smoking-non-asbestos workers. This is referred to as “synergy” meaning that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure actually work to accelerate the deleterious effects on your health.
Who is legally responsible? Generally speaking, if a current or former employee suffers from health problems caused by asbestos exposure in the workplace a suit could be filed against some or all of the following:
- The company that manufactured the asbestos or any protective equipment failed.
- Owners of the premises where the work was done. In regards to the rail industry, it failed to warn workers of the associated risks so workers were unaware that their lung cancer risk was that much greater due to the mix between smoking and exposure to asbestos fibers.
- Contractors and sub-contractors involved in work being done.
Contact an Experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other cancer and have a history of asbestos exposure, speak to an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Do not try to take on a big corporation alone. They employ teams of investigators, adjusters, and defense lawyers focused solely on mitigating their company’s liability exposure.
Our railroad mesothelioma law firm regularly represent railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos, diesel fumes, and other carcinogens. The big railroads like Norfolk Southern, CSX, Burlington Northern, etc. fight claims tooth and nail so you need a tireless advocate on your side. For example, our firm represented the estate of a railroad worker who died from lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes, and radiation for over four decades. The railroad pointed to our client’s smoking history as the cause of the cancer. We disagreed and took the case to trial. A jury agreed with our position and awarded the estate $8.6 million (final verdict on appeal).
