20 Railroad Workers File Asbestos Suit in Illinois

December 29, 2005

A record twenty lawsuits were filed recently in an Illinois court by twenty railway workers who say their company failed to protect them from asbestos exposure and failed to take other important safety measures. The workers filed the suit against the Illinois Central Railroad in St. Clair County, saying that they have developed both asbestosis and silicosis because of their jobs.

The plaintiffs are utilizing the Federal Employers' Liability Act that ensures that employees of rail companies are protected from on the job injuries and other illegal workplace conditions.

Asbestosis is a chronically long-term disease that affects the lungs and breathing capability. Asbestosis is only caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. People with asbestosis who also have a shortness of breath have a greater chance of developing lung cancer as well. Long-term asbestos exposure is also linked to the development of a rare and deadly form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

Silicosis is a pneumoconiosis that is caused by long-term inhalation of a type of very finely ground dust made from silica. Silica is often created in grinders and other industrial practices.

The lawsuit outlines several types of injuries that the Railroad caused the workers. These included using care to provide the workers with a safe place to work, using safe methods of work, using safe materials involved in the workplace, providing levels of help when needed, properly warning its employees of the dangers found at their workplace, and changing workplace habits when it is clear that the continuance of them would lead to injury or death.

The suit, filed by the plaintiffs' lawyer, Daniel Francis of the Francis Law Firm in St. Louis, seeks damages that occurred in the past and ones that may occur in the future. Lost wages, health, medical expenses, general ability to enjoy life, and other pain and suffering damages are sought in the case.

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