Lafayette FELA Railroad Chemical Exposure and Cancer Lawyer

Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals on the railroad can leave workers with a range of illnesses, including cancer. If you are a railroader or ever worked on the railroad in Lafayette who now faces serious health problems, it may be because of your exposure to chemicals and carcinogens from your job on the railroad.  

Poolson | Oden understands how devastating these illnesses can be. Our Lafayette FELA railroad chemical exposure and cancer lawyers will explain how the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) gives you the right to take legal action and fight to hold the railroad accountable.

You may have been exposed to harmful chemicals at work on the railroad, and if you have been diagnosed with cancer, our Lafayette FELA railroad accident lawyers will help. We have served hundreds of clients and recovered over $30 million for injured railroad workers and their families in the last five years alone. Call us today for a free consultation about your case.

How Our Lafayette FELA Lawyers Help Railroad Workers with Toxic Exposure and Cancer

Railroad companies often go to great lengths to avoid paying the full compensation you and your family deserve after a toxic exposure or cancer diagnosis—but we’re here to ensure you’re not left to face this battle alone. From the very first day, our team is committed to guiding and supporting you through each stage of your claim by:

• Thoroughly investigating your chemical exposure: We carefully examine your work history, job duties, and medical records to pinpoint where and how the exposure occurred.
• Interviewing your co–workers: Gathering names and contact information from your colleagues helps us further investigate the circumstances of your exposure and determine which chemicals may have put you at risk.
• Building strong medical evidence: Our team obtains, organizes, and reviews medical records to ensure your diagnosis and treatment are fully documented—critical for proving your case against the railroad.
• Identifying All Liable Parties: Under the FELA, your employer—the railroad carrier—is directly responsible for compensating you for all damages resulting from workplace chemical exposure or occupational illness, even if other parties (such as chemical manufacturers or contractors) were involved. This means you can recover the full amount of your claim from the railroad; and you do not need to pursue separate claims elsewhere. Our team will ensure all responsible circumstances and causes are identified and documented, maximizing your potential recovery under the FELA.
• Managing all legal paperwork: We handle communications with the railroad, insurance companies, and the courts, giving you the freedom to focus on your health and recovery.
• Explaining your legal rights: We translate the complexities of the FELA into clear, straightforward guidance, so you understand exactly how the law protects you and your right to compensation.
• Preparing every case for trial: While we strive for fair settlements, our Lafayette trial lawyers are ready to take your case to court and advocate forcefully on your behalf if the railroad refuses to offer what you deserve.
• Standing by you every step of the way: You’ll receive regular updates on your case, and we’re always available to answer your questions—ensuring you’re never left in the dark or shuffled from person to person.

Unlike other injury firms, Poolson | Oden is built specifically for railroad cases. Our Lafayette railroad injury lawyer  don’t just dabble in FELA law—we live it. We know what it takes to hold railroad companies accountable as Designated Legal Counsel.

With deep extensive experience handling FELA toxic exposure claims as Designated Legal Counsel for SMART TD and Transportation Communications Union/IAM (“TCU”), our Lafayette team is dedicated to securing justice and meaningful compensation—so you and your family can move forward with confidence.

What Is Chemical Exposure on the Railroad, and Why Does It Matter?

Railroad workers can come into contact with harmful chemicals on the job, such as diesel fumes, solvents, creosote, asbestos, silica, and industrial cleaners. Over time, regular exposure to these substances can cause:

• Lung cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia and other blood cancers
• Brain and nervous system damage
• Skin disorders
• Breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma

Why the FELA Applies to Railroad Toxic Exposure and Cancer Cases

These illnesses can take years to appear, which means many workers don’t realize their job caused their condition. That’s why these cases fall under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). This law lets you sue the railroad if its negligence led to your chemical exposure.

Unlike regular workers’ compensation, the FELA claims allow full damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, these claims are also more complex, which is why clients come to us. We focus on their cases and work for their recovery while they heal.

Damages You May Recover in a Railroad Chemical Injury Case

When a railroad’s negligence causes serious illness, the damages can be high. We fight for the full value of what you’ve lost.

You may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
  
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Emotional distress
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  
• Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel for treatment)

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

Every case involving railroad chemical exposure and cancer is different. The amount you can recover depends on many personal and legal factors. 

At Poolson | Oden, our Lafayette FELA railroad toxic exposure and cancer attorney will take the time to understand how your illness has changed your life and what liable parties owe you under the law. We don’t use formulas. Instead, we build your case around the full scope of your losses.

What Affects the Value of a Railroad Chemical Exposure Case?

Several factors can affect the outcome of your case, including:

• The type and stage of your illness: Some cancers require years of treatment or have no cure.
• How your health affects your ability to work: You may be out of work temporarily or permanently.
• Your age and job role at the time of exposure: These factors affect lost earnings and future wages.
• The strength of the evidence: Medical records, expert testimony, and work history all matter.
• The railroad’s safety failures: The more serious the negligence, the stronger your case.
• Whether multiple parties were responsible: Some claims may involve more than just the railroad.
• How your illness affects your daily life: Pain, stress, and loss of independence should all be considered.

Our attorneys will walk you through how each factor applies to your case and pursue full damages under the FELA.

Damages in a Railroad Wrongful Death Case in Lafayette, LA

Losing a loved one to cancer caused by chemical exposure on the railroad is heartbreaking. We understand the pain and uncertainty your family is facing. Our FELA Railroad wrongful death lawyers in Lafayette bring compassion to every claim.

Family members may be able to recover damages such as:

• Funeral and burial costs: All reasonable expenses related to laying your loved one to rest
• Loss of financial support: The wages, benefits, and retirement they would have provided
• Loss of companionship and guidance: The value of their love, care, and presence in your life
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering: The toll that grief and trauma have taken on your family

If you are not sure what your family qualifies for, we will explain your rights clearly and help you take the next step. 

Who Can You Hold Responsible in Your FELA Chemical Exposure and Cancer Case?

In FELA cases, you must show that the railroad was negligent. This means it failed to provide a safe place to work. Common examples include:

• Not warning workers about hazardous chemicals
• Failing to provide proper protective gear
• Having poor ventilation in enclosed areas
• Allowing chemical leaks or spills
• Ignoring safety standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Even if the exposure happened years ago, the railroad may still be held liable. In some cases, other parties may also share the blame, such as:

• Chemical manufacturers who failed to warn of risks
• Outside contractors working in the railyard
• Equipment suppliers who provided faulty tanks or hoses

Our FELA railroad chemical exposure and cancer lawyers in Lafayette will look at every angle of your Lafayette lawsuit to find out who played a role and hold them accountable.

Steps to Take After Railroad Chemical Exposure or a Cancer Diagnosis

If you believe your job caused your illness, here’s what you can do right now to protect your health and your case:

• See a doctor: Tell your doctor about your job and what chemicals you’ve worked with.
• Keep your records: Save copies of medical visits, diagnoses, and job paperwork.
• Talk to our FELA lawyers: We advise that you call our team before giving any statements to the railroad or its claims representatives.
• Avoid delays: There are time limits on these claims, so act quickly.

You’ve worked hard your whole life. You deserve answers and help. Reach out to us as soon as possible. The sooner you can hire a railroad lawyer, the sooner you can get help with your claim.

Get Support for Your Lafayette Railroad Chemical Exposure and Cancer Claim

Poolson | Oden proudly serves Louisiana’s railroad workers and their families. Our team, which includes trial attorneys, case managers, and medical record specialists, has helped hundreds of clients with FELA claims. We also have field reps who stay hands-on from start to finish.

Don’t Get Railroaded® by a system that does not care about your future. Call today for help from our Lafayette FELA railroad chemical exposure and cancer lawyer. We will listen to your story and walk you through your legal options. Your rights matter, and we will protect them. Start with a free confidential consultation today.