Railroad Mesothelioma Cancers: What the Railroads Knew and When

by Richard N. Shapiro

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Rick is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, FELA, wrongful death, etc.

What did railroad companies like Norfolk Southern (NS), CSX, and Conrail know about asbestos and its connection to mesothelioma cancer? Well, it turns out they knew a lot. And they found out decades ago.

Internal documents show that the nation's railroads were aware of the health risks and side effects associated with asbestos dating all the way to the 1950s. Did they do anything to remove asbestos and keep the workplace safe for their railroad workers? No. Despite being aware of the risks of using of asbestos on pipes, engines, and other items for decades, most railroad companies did not start removing asbestos from diesel freight locomotive engines until the 1990s.

In the meantime, rail workers like brakemen, switchmen, conductors, engineers, and car repairmen developed asbestos-related diseases and cancers like mesothelioma.

Why did the nation's railroads not remove asbestos insulation from their diesel locomotive engines? Simple answer: Because removing the asbestos would have cost a lot of money and the railroads opted to maximize profits instead of keeping their workers safe.

This is why it frustrates me when I meet a rail worker mesothelioma client who has had his life changed forever and the railroad company is doing everything they can to avoid compensating the worker. It's like rubbing salt in a wound. Not only did the worker develop mesothelioma cancer because he simply showed up for work and was forced to breathe in toxic asbestos fibers around the workplace, but the worker can't even get proper compensation when he is at death's door battling an incurable form of cancer. It is wrong, plain and simple.

That is why our law firm will continue to proudly represent rail workers stricken with mesothelioma cancer and do everything we can to make sure the railroad company provides compensation to the worker and his family.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have handled hundreds of Federal Employers' Liability Act claims for railroad workers hurt or made ill while doing their rail jobs. We also have represented many people injured in train accidents. Please take a few moments to review our railroad injury case results. Our primary offices are in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been included among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008, and have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers are chosen for this professional honor.

In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill. Our attorneys have even been included in the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009.

We would like to send you one of our free reports about railroad injury and FELA cases, including Dos & Don'ts When Injured at a Railroad: Your FELA Rights and What Railroad Claim Agents Agents Won't Tell You (But You Must Know).

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer a free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call.