Asbestos in the Railroad Industry

A century ago, traveling on the railroads was common practice. Decades ago, and even today, freight makes the journey across the country and the continents, and passengers commute to work or enjoy scenic trips. But decades ago, the risk of asbestos was also prominent in the world of trains, and if you or a loved one worked in the railroad industry, you may have been exposed to the dangerous substance. This exposure could result in a variety of respiratory and digestive issues, including shortness of breath, various types of digestive cancers, and severe forms of lung cancer including mesothelioma. Even second-hand exposure, with a loved one bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothes after a day on the job, can lead to a severe medical diagnosis.

Railroad workers were exposed to many asbestos-containing products as they maintained the locomotives, tracks, and stations. Most commonly, workers encountered asbestos in the following areas:

• boilers and fireboxes of steam locomotives
• brakes and clutches of locomotives
• ceiling and floor tiles in passenger cars
• cement ties that secured the rail lines
• sheet and rope gaskets
• plaster and paint throughout train cars

Many railroad companies have a history of using asbestos-laden products, including Amtrak, Birmingham Southern Railroad Company, BNSF Railway Co., Conrail, CSX Transportation, Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd., Metro-North Commuter Railroad Co., Seminole Gulf Railway, Transtar, Inc., and many others. Railroad workers also may have had additional exposure if a station underwent renovations, exposing them inadvertently to asbestos-laden products such as tile, joint compound, roofing materials, and more.

If you or a loved one worked in the railroad industry, even decades ago, and are now experiencing shortness of breath, you may be eligible for asbestos claim compensation. Please give our office a call and speak with one of our legal assistants to learn more about the complimentary qualification process, or click here to submit your information now: https://vinsonlawoffice.com/contact/