Thousands of retired railroaders have been diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers.
What’s more tragic: It could’ve been prevented.
As early as the 1930s, asbestos-product manufacturers knew asbestos was a hazardous material but continued to sell and market these products through the 1970s, and even later. Many of these asbestos-containing products such as brake shoes and pipe insulation were installed on railroad equipment and in railroad buildings.
If you’re a railroader who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, throat cancer, stomach or colon cancer, your diagnosis could be a direct result of your exposure to asbestos-containing materials. They didn’t protect you, and now you’re paying the price.
That’s wrong.
As a result, over $30 billion dollars has been set aside in trust funds to compensate workers, who worked prior to 1982 and suffer from asbestos-related illnesses, and their families.
While we can’t right the wrongs of asbestos manufacturers, we can help you seek compensation and prepare for your future.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions below to find out more about how we can help you.
FAQs FOR RAILROAD WORKERS WITH CANCER
I’m a retired railroad worker with cancer. How do I know if it was caused by asbestos exposure?
If you worked as a railroader before 1982, you may have been exposed to products containing asbestos because of its widespread use in railroad buildings and on railroad equipment. When old railroad equipment wore down, the parts containing asbestos would as well, increasing the likelihood of exposure to workers. Because of this, if you were in rail yards, working with locomotives and rail cars, or in repair shops or roundhouses, you may have been exposed to dust and parts containing asbestos.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are the two most common types of asbestos-related cancers. The vast majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure, and an estimated 6,000 lung cancer deaths a year are the result of asbestos inhalation. Other cancers commonly related to asbestos exposure include laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer.
If you worked for a railroad before 1982, and you have one of the above types of cancers, you may have a claim. Call (800) 519-1440 to discuss your case or click here to fill our claims form. All claims are accepted on a contingent fee basis, meaning if we do not recover anything, you do not owe us anything.
What are my options for compensation?
Sammons & Berry, P.C. is committed to fighting for the rights of railroad workers diagnosed with cancer or other asbestos-related illnesses. We take a dedicated and compassionate approach to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Asbestos product manufacturers have set aside over $30 billion dollars to compensate workers with cancer and their families. Our lawyers can help you find out if you qualify for compensation. Contact us today for your free evaluation.
I don’t have mesothelioma or lung cancer. Can I still file a claim?
If you do not have mesothelioma or lung cancer, you still may qualify for compensation if you were exposed to asbestos-containing materials as a railroader. Laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer have been positively associated with asbestos exposure.
Even if you do not have cancer, you may qualify for a compensation claim. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous scarring of the lungs that can cause shortness of breath. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos while working for a railroad prior to 1982, contact our office today.
I'm a family member of a railroader who passed away. Can I file a claim?
Yes, it is still possible for you to file a claim and receive compensation for your loved one. However, there are certain time limitations that may apply.
I've been retired for many years. Can I still file a claim?
Yes. Asbestos has a long latency period, which means symptoms of exposure don’t show up until years later. It’s not uncommon to begin experiencing symptoms 20 to 30 years after initial exposure. Some states require that you file a claim within a certain time period after your diagnosis, but this varies by case and illness.
I believe I am eligible to file a claim but can’t afford to pay a lawyer. What are my options?
We understand how emotionally and financially difficult it is to pursue legal action, especially when you or your loved one is sick. We take cases on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid a percentage of what we recover for you. If we do not collect anything for you, you do not owe us anything.
Unfortunately, we can’t give you your health back, but we can help you seek justice in the form of
financial compensation from those responsible. Call (800) 519-1440 for a free initial consultation or click below to see if you qualify.