For decades, railroad workers were unknowingly exposed to asbestos, a hazardous substance that can cause deadly diseases such as asbestosis and various forms of cancer. Despite mounting evidence of the dangers of asbestos, the railroad industry denied the presence of asbestos in diesel engines and other railroad equipment. However, thanks to a brave whistleblower, the truth about asbestos exposure in the railroad industry has come to light. As experienced asbestos attorneys, we have represented numerous railroad workers who have developed serious health conditions as a result of this exposure.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness due to railroad work, our team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is here to help. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous for Railroad Workers?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in many industries, including railroads, due to its heat-resistant properties. It was commonly found in insulation, brake pads, water pipes, and other components of diesel engines. While asbestos is effective at preventing heat damage, it is also highly dangerous when disturbed. When asbestos fibers are released into the air, they can be inhaled and lodged in the lungs, leading to long-term health issues.

Asbestos-related diseases include:

  • Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue and breathing difficulties.
  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, typically caused by asbestos exposure.
  • Lung Cancer: Exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in individuals who smoke.

If you worked on a railroad and have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, it’s critical to contact an asbestos attorney to explore your legal options.

How Did Railroad Workers Get Exposed to Asbestos on the Job?

For years, railroad workers such as engineers, conductors, and maintenance staff were exposed to asbestos while working in or around diesel engines. Asbestos was commonly used in the construction of diesel engines, particularly in insulation around pipes and other components. Workers in rail yards and on trains were exposed to asbestos without ever being informed of the risk.

Even though the dangers of asbestos were well-known by the 1970s, railroads continued to use asbestos-containing materials in their engines and equipment. Many workers were never told they were being exposed to asbestos, even as they worked for decades in environments filled with hazardous fibers.

How Did a Whistleblower Help Expose Asbestos Exposure in Railroads?

For years, railroad companies defended themselves against asbestos lawsuits by claiming that workers in diesel engines had no “appreciable exposure” to asbestos. They fought these cases vigorously, denying that asbestos was present in their equipment. However, a whistleblower from Pennsylvania, who had worked for Conrail removing asbestos from diesel engines, finally came forward and exposed the truth.

The whistleblower revealed that asbestos was indeed present in diesel engines during the 1970s, 1980s, and even into the 2000s. This whistleblower’s testimony demonstrated that asbestos was prevalent in the very environments where railroad workers spent decades working. Thanks to the whistleblower, asbestos lawyers now have powerful evidence that can be used in court to show that railroad workers were exposed to asbestos regularly.

How Did Railroad Companies Cover Up Asbestos Exposure from Workers?

The railroads went to great lengths to hide the fact that asbestos was present in their diesel engines. Railroad companies often set up abatement programs to remove asbestos from the engines, but they did so under a veil of secrecy. Contractors were brought in to strip asbestos from water pipes and other engine components, but workers were never informed that these dangerous materials were being handled.

In some cases, workers in the rail yards where asbestos removal was taking place only learned about it through rumors and word of mouth. The railroads did not openly disclose that asbestos was present in the equipment, and they did not take the necessary precautions to protect their employees from exposure.

What Are the Long-Term Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure for Railroad Workers?

Asbestos-related diseases do not develop immediately after exposure. It can take 10, 20, or even 40 years for the effects of asbestos exposure to manifest. Many railroad workers who spent decades working in diesel engines are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

These diseases are devastating and often fatal. Mesothelioma, in particular, is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Many workers who are diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are left facing costly medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of a terminal diagnosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, it’s essential to act quickly. An asbestos attorney can help you file a claim against the responsible parties and seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

How Can an Asbestos Attorney Help with Railroad Asbestos Cases?

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our team of experienced asbestos lawyers has represented numerous railroad workers who have developed asbestos-related diseases. We understand the complexities of these cases and have the resources and expertise needed to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Here’s how our asbestos law firm can help:

  • Investigating Your Exposure. As railroad asbestos lawyers with decades of experience, we will thoroughly investigate your work history and the environments in which you were exposed to asbestos. This includes gathering evidence, such as the whistleblower’s testimony, to demonstrate that asbestos was present in the diesel engines where you worked.
  • Filing a Claim. Asbestos-related lawsuits have strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations. It’s important to act quickly to ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe. We will handle all the legal details for you, ensuring you do not miss critical deadlines.
  • Negotiating a Settlement. Many asbestos cases are settled out of court, but we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We will negotiate on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.
  • Holding the Railroads Accountable. The railroads knew about the dangers of asbestos and failed to protect their workers. Our team will fight to hold these companies accountable for the harm they caused.

What Should You Do If You Were Exposed to Asbestos While Working on a Railroad?

If you worked on a railroad and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The whistleblower’s testimony has given us powerful evidence to help prove that asbestos exposure occurred in railroad environments, and we are ready to fight for your rights.

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we represent clients on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Contact our office today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced railroad asbestos attorney. Let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.