Two former Union Pacific Railroad Company workers have filed lawsuits against their former employer due to health complications.
One worker argues that he developed asbestos cancer and the other says that the work led to the degeneration of his hands, wrists and elbows.
Dale Chapman, who worked for the railroad from 1973 to 2008, claims he was exposed to asbestos, leading him to develop lung cancer. Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in construction materials for its durability, insulating properties and strength, but has been banned in the United States and several other countries.
Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to numerous health complications, including the deadly cancer, mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, chest and abdomen. Unless a person is wearing protective gear while in the presence of asbestos, they have a very high chance of developing mesothelioma, for which there is currently no cure.
According to Chapman, Union Pacific did not provide the adequate safety equipment required to protect him from the mineral. He also claims the company exposed him to diesel exhaust, without warning him of the hazards.
Since he was exposed to both asbestos and diesel exhaust, Chapman is suing Union Pacific over his lung cancer, bladder cancer, emotional anguish and physical pain, as well as medical care. He is seeking $50,000 in damages plus costs.
Ron Mentel, who worked as an engineer at Union Pacific's transportation department from 1974 to 2009, claims that he was also forced to work in unsafe conditions, but is suing over different symptoms.
Mentel claims that he developed carpal tunnel syndrome and has experienced a degeneration of his limbs as a result of his work at Union Pacific. He says that his pain and injuries have prevented him from living a “normal life,” and is seeking over $100,000 in damages plus costs.
Many workers who have been employed at rail road companies, manufacturing companies, construction companies and similar places of work, have been exposed to asbestos and may not have even realized it. If you or a loved one are aware that you have been exposed or are already struggling with mesothelioma, contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately for help.
You may be entitled to thousands, if not millions, of dollars in damages and medical coverage and your mesothelioma attorney will see to it that you are fully compensated for your pain and suffering. Your paralegal will investigate the incident and make sure those who are to blame for your exposure to asbestos are held liable for your disease.
Time is crucial when battling mesothelioma cancer. Contact a skilled mesothelioma lawyer near you today to get started on your case and fight for your rights as a victim of asbestos.
