Illinois Central worker blames his cancer on toxic exposure
On behalf of of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workplace Injuries on Thursday, May 9, 2013.
A loyal employee recalls his 40 years spent working for Illinois Central Railroad. Through the course of his employment, the man got to know virtually every facet of the industry. In his various roles over the decade, the employee worked as a switchman all the way up to yardmaster. The different roles he worked meant exposure to various toxic chemicals: diesel exhaust, asbestos, chlorinated hydrocarbons, pesticides and so many more. Some of these substances are known carcinogens.
Unfortunately, there may be silent killers lurking in the work environments of many Illinois workers. Workers may be unaware for years that they are being exposed to dangerous chemicals that compromise their health. In many instances, the ramifications of occupational exposure to harmful substances will go undetected for years.
Such exposure can lead to cancer. Treating cancer can not only be costly, but it can weaken an individual, forcing him or her to stop working. Further, cancer can seriously diminish an individual’s quality of life, eventually even killing the victim. In Illinois, if a worker develops cancer due to occupational exposure, an attorney can assist that victim pursue financial compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and the ongoing costs associated with the condition.
The man who worked for Illinois Central Railroad for 40 decades left his position a month after a doctor told him he developed kidney cancer. The man alleges that the railroad company’s negligence, and disregard for Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act meant that the man was exposed for decades to dangerous chemicals without proper protection.
The worker feels that these circumstances are to blame for his cancer. Accordingly, the man sought the assistance of an attorney and is pursuing over $50,000 in damages to compensate him for the medical expenses associated with his kidney cancer, and the costs associated with the lawsuit.
Source: The Madison-St. Clair Record, “Illinois Central worker claims chemical exposure caused kidney cancer,” Andrea Dearden, May 2, 2013
