Tennessee Railroad Workers Mesothelioma Lawyer

Railroad Workers Mesothelioma Attorney in Tennessee, GA

Tennessee’s railroads have moved goods and people for decades, but as the innovation progressed at higher speeds, workers were put in harm’s way. A Tennessee railroad workers’ mesothelioma lawyer can help identify the source of exposure and hold companies accountable for knowing the risks and putting profits before employee safety.

Employees who maintained and repaired engines, brakes, and equipment were often exposed to asbestos without warning or protection. Now, many are paying the price for exposure to mesothelioma.

Hire a Railroad Workers’ Mesothelioma Lawyer

The founding attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., have worked for over 30 years on behalf of railroad workers and their families to seek justice and compensation for those injured by asbestos exposure on the job. Investigative work by Mona Lisa Wallace and Bill Graham has helped reveal how major rail companies continued to use asbestos-containing insulation, brakes, and gaskets in the face of mounting evidence about the dangers of asbestos.

Our firm combines extensive legal experience with medical and occupational research to work for Tennessee railroad workers and their families to seek full and fair compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Use in Railroad Equipment and Facilities

Asbestos was used in nearly every component of railroad operations for most of the 20th century. To manage heat and avoid fires, locomotives, brake pads, and engine insulation contained asbestos. Workers who performed maintenance on railcars, or cleaned the “roundhouses” in which they were stored and repaired, were often exposed to airborne fibers without protective equipment.

Tennessee is home to several large railroad hubs, including Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga. Generations of mechanics, conductors, and maintenance-of-way crews were put at risk by these materials and face health consequences today.

Railroad Jobs With the Highest Risk of Exposure

Railroads were central to Tennessee’s growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supporting mining, timber, and urban development. Workers who labored on these systems faced daily asbestos exposure without even knowing it.

The combination of restricted airflow alongside elevated temperatures, together with the continuous rail vibrations, integrated asbestos into railroad maintenance procedures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were more than 2,600 new mesothelioma diagnoses in 2022 in the U.S., and many involved former transportation and industrial workers.

Some of the highest risk positions include:

• Engineers and brakemen who worked close to friction products or steam lines
• Machinists and pipefitters who worked with insulation in locomotive repair shops
• Track workers and yardmen who conducted maintenance near contaminated dust
• Office, clerical, and cleaning staff were at risk of secondhand exposure, as asbestos fibers were brought home on clothing and tools.

How Railroad Workers Can Pursue Compensation

Railroad workers who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have several avenues for justice and accountability. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is a federal statute that allows injured railroad workers to file claims against their employers. In some cases, additional claims can be filed against manufacturers who sold asbestos-containing products to railroad companies.

A Tennessee railroad workers’ mesothelioma lawyer can help by reviewing employment records, identifying possible sources of exposure, and helping victims recover damages for medical care, lost wages, and long-term needs.

FAQs

How Were Railroad Workers Exposed to Asbestos in Tennessee?

Locomotive repair shops and roundhouses in Tennessee were a common site of asbestos exposure. Brake pads, gaskets, and other insulation used asbestos materials to resist high heat. Fibers were released into the air when the engines were running and pieces wore down.

This dust was inhaled, and microscopic fibers accumulated in the lungs over time, causing irreversible damage and disease. Even employees who did not directly work with these materials were susceptible to mesothelioma and other conditions.

What Makes Railroad Mesothelioma Cases Unique?

The claims process for railroad mesothelioma is different from other asbestos cases. Railroad workers are not eligible for typical workers’ compensation. Their claims are governed by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).

FELA requires a worker to prove employer negligence, but allows for greater recovery if successful. Experienced attorneys secure work records, professional testimony, and product information to prove that the exposure happened on the job. For mesothelioma, the exposure may have occurred many years before the claim is filed.

Can Retired Railroad Employees Still File a Claim?

Former railroad workers can still file for legal compensation for asbestos exposure, even if it occurred many decades ago. The latency period for mesothelioma can be 20 to 60 years after first exposure. Tennessee allows people to file a claim when they are diagnosed with the disease, not when they were exposed.

It is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and meet legal filing deadlines under FELA and state law.

What Types of Compensation Are Available to Railroad Workers?

Recovery for a railroad worker’s mesothelioma claim can include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages like pain and suffering, future care, and treatment.

Families of victims who died from mesothelioma can recover wrongful death benefits from the at-fault companies under FELA or from asbestos bankruptcy trust funds. A Tennessee railroad attorney who is experienced in asbestos exposure cases can help identify the legal avenues that apply and determine the full extent of available recovery.

How Do Lawyers Prove Asbestos Exposure in Railroad Cases?

Developing an effective mesothelioma claim takes in-depth research on a worker’s employment history and the products they used. Lawyers examine railroad maintenance logs, employment records, and manufacturer information to determine the use of asbestos.

In Tennessee, paperwork and documentation from the Chattanooga, Memphis, and Nashville railway hubs can often be useful. If a strong link between a diagnosis and a verified source of exposure can be made by an experienced attorney, your case can be greatly improved.

Contact a Tennessee Railroad Workers Mesothelioma Lawyer

Tennessee’s railroad workers unknowingly breathed in asbestos while they powered the state forward for multiple generations. The lasting health effects from hard work remain visible, as mesothelioma diagnoses continue to emerge years after workers were exposed.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., have been helping workers and their families find justice against negligent companies for over 30 years. Hire a railroad workers’ mesothelioma lawyer today and schedule a consultation to take steps toward the justice and compensation you deserve.