I'm a railroad worker with 25 years experience and my lung doctor says that my lungs are so bad I should not work at the railroad in dust and fumes any longer. Do I have a claim against the railroad that employs me for exposing me to toxic dust or fumes? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Occupational diseases are fully covered, by a federal law called the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which applies to injury or disease claims of workers against the employing railroads.  If the railroad negligently exposed you to dust or fumes, and should have taken industrial safety preventative measures, a claim may be made.  Often there is “accident report” associated with these type diseases since they don’t strike on a certain day of your life.