Military Veterans and Railroads, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Veterans were exposed to asbestos while working in Military rail yards throughout the U. S. Many veterans were also exposed to asbestos in train troop cars and in passenger cars. Veterans that worked for railroads were exposed to asbestos products and materials on boxcars, cabooses, coaches, freight cars, baggage cars and locomotive engines before 1980 because it of its extreme heat resistant and fire-proof properties.
Many Railroads used asbestos containing products and materials including brakes, gaskets, sealing cements, pipe joints, valves, boilers, and fireboxes that exposed railroad workers.
As early as the late 1920’s Railroad companies had medical information linking asbestos exposure with Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease and did nothing to protect their workers from harm for decades.
Exposure to asbestos fibers was an everyday part of employment for thousands of U. S. Railroad workers during the 1950-1980.
Military Asbestos Exposure

The U. S. Armed Forces used asbestos-containing products in ships, aircraft, buildings, military bases, barracks, mess halls, and other military facilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs states that there are over 25 million Americans that have previously served in the U.S. Military.
Thousands of U. S. servicemen and women came into contact with asbestos fibers during their tour of service. Many Veterans diagnosed with Mesothelioma have complained that they were not given any warning, training or respiratory protective gear when handling, installing, loading, repairing, or removing asbestos-containing products. High risk Veterans for developing Mesothelioma are plumbers, mechanics, insulators, electricians, pipefitters, and boilermakers that were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers and materials.
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How Railroad Workers Were Exposed to Asbestos
Workers employed by freight Railroad Companies faced significant exposure to toxic asbestos due to the widespread use of over 3,000 asbestos-containing products within the industry. Tradesmen working at Railroad job sites, tasked with installing, repairing, and replacing various materials, were particularly vulnerable to asbestos-related diseases. Whether stationed in roadhouses, railroad shops, rail yards, or repair facilities, Railroad workers routinely encountered harmful asbestos dust during their duties, putting them at risk of developing Mesothelioma later in life. Moreover, those involved in constructing or demolishing Railroad buildings with asbestos products faced heightened risks of asbestos-related cancers. In cases of malignant Mesothelioma or other asbestos-related cancers, affected individuals may pursue compensation from liable asbestos manufacturers for their exposure.
Many Railroad workers diagnosed with Mesothelioma have lamented the lack of warnings, training, or respiratory protective gear provided while handling asbestos-containing products. Their daily exposure to toxic asbestos dust and fibers, without adequate protection, underscores the urgency of addressing asbestos exposure in the Railroad industry. Inhaling and ingesting asbestos particles in the workplace without safeguards significantly increased the risk of developing severe health issues, highlighting the need for greater awareness and preventive measures in the Railroad sector.
Railroad Worker Occupations with Asbestos Exposure
Railroad Maintenance Workers: Railroad maintenance workers responsible for repairing and maintaining railroad tracks, bridges, and infrastructure were exposed to asbestos fibers released from deteriorating asbestos-containing materials. Handling or disturbing asbestos during maintenance tasks posed exposure risks.
Railroad Car Mechanics: Railroad car mechanics maintaining and repairing railroad cars and locomotives were exposed to asbestos fibers released from asbestos-containing brake linings, gaskets, and insulation. Repairing or replacing asbestos-containing parts posed exposure risks.
Railroad Signal Technicians: Railroad signal technicians installing and maintaining signal equipment along railroad tracks were exposed to asbestos fibers released from asbestos-containing signal enclosures and insulation. Handling or disturbing asbestos during installations posed exposure risks.
Railroad Welders: Railroad welders performing welding and fabrication work on railroad tracks and infrastructure were exposed to asbestos fibers released from asbestos-containing welding rods and insulation. Welding or cutting asbestos-containing materials posed exposure risks.
Railroad Painters: Railroad painters painting railroad cars, bridges, and infrastructure were exposed to asbestos fibers released from asbestos-containing paints and coatings. Sanding, scraping, or spraying asbestos-containing paints posed exposure risks.
Railroad Electricians: Railroad electricians installing and maintaining electrical systems on railroad cars and infrastructure were exposed to asbestos fibers released from asbestos-containing electrical insulation and wiring. Handling or disturbing asbestos during electrical work posed exposure risks.
Railroad Pipefitters: Railroad pipefitters installing and repairing piping systems on railroad cars and infrastructure were exposed to asbestos fibers released from asbestos-containing pipe insulation and gaskets. Cutting, fitting, or repairing asbestos-containing pipes posed exposure risks.
Railroad Machinists: Railroad machinists fabricating and repairing metal parts for railroad equipment were exposed to asbestos fibers released from asbestos-containing materials used in machining processes. Cutting, drilling, or grinding asbestos-containing materials posed exposure risks.
Railroad Engineers: Railroad engineers operating locomotives and overseeing train operations were exposed to asbestos fibers released from deteriorating asbestos-containing insulation and gaskets in locomotive engines. Inspecting or maintaining asbestos-containing engine components posed exposure risks.
Railroad Conductors: Railroad conductors supervising train crews and ensuring safe train operations were exposed to asbestos fibers released from deteriorating asbestos-containing insulation and gaskets in railroad cars. Inspecting or maintaining asbestos-containing car components posed exposure risks.
Railroad Insulators: Railroad insulators installing and repairing insulation on railroad equipment and infrastructure were exposed to asbestos fibers released from asbestos-containing insulation materials. Handling or disturbing asbestos-containing insulation posed exposure risks.
Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Veterans who performed repairs, renovations, or demolition on ships built earlier than 1980 were exposed to asbestos.
- 1 in 3 U. S. Veterans will be diagnosed with an asbestos related disease in their lifetime.
- The U.S. Military used thousands of asbestos-containing products in their ships between the 1920-late 1970′s.
- Millions of U. S. Veterans have been exposed to asbestos during their tour of service.
- A recent study showed that as many as 30-40% of Mesothelioma victims is U. S. Veterans.
- Mesothelioma has affected veterans from all branches of service including those who worked in Navy shipyards.
- Asbestos was used heavily in the shipbuilding and in military ships. Many veterans working in confined quarters have been exposed to asbestos.
- 14 in every 1,000 WW II shipyard workers died of an asbestos-related disease compared to 18 in every 1,000 combat related deaths.
- Veterans who served between 1940 and 1980 have the greatest risk of developing Mesothelioma or an asbestos-related cancer.
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Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA)
Protect Your Legal Rights
The Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) was created to allow injured railroad workers to bring lawsuits against their railroad employers for job-related injuries, including asbestos related diseases such as asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma.
A Federal Employer’s Liability Act lawsuit is a civil lawsuit where injured railroad workers are required to show the employer’s negligence that contributed to their injury.
The U. S. Supreme Court ruled in 2003 that a group of Railroad workers could bring a FELA claim against their employer based on emotional distress caused by the fear of cancer after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Related Products used by Railroad Workers
Asbestos Boilers: Railroad engineers and maintenance workers were exposed to asbestos fibers when repairing or replacing boilers insulated with asbestos-containing materials in locomotive engines and facilities.
Asbestos Brake Pads: Railroad maintenance workers and mechanics were exposed to asbestos fibers when replacing brake pads made with asbestos-containing materials on locomotives and railroad cars.
Asbestos Cable Insulation: Railroad electricians and maintenance workers were exposed to asbestos fibers when handling or repairing electrical cables insulated with asbestos-containing materials in locomotive engines and facilities.
Asbestos Cement: Railroad construction workers and engineers were exposed to asbestos fibers when installing or demolishing structures made with asbestos cement, such as platforms and buildings.
Asbestos Ceiling Tiles: Railroad building maintenance workers and construction crews were exposed to asbestos fibers when installing or removing ceiling tiles made with asbestos-containing materials in railroad stations and facilities.
Asbestos Electrical Insulation: Railroad electricians were exposed to asbestos fibers when installing or repairing electrical systems containing asbestos insulation in locomotives, rail cars, and signal equipment.
Asbestos Fireproofing Sprays: Railroad construction workers and maintenance crews were exposed to asbestos fibers when applying or removing fireproofing sprays containing asbestos in railroad tunnels and structures.
Asbestos Floor Tiles: Railroad building maintenance workers and construction crews were exposed to asbestos fibers when installing or removing floor tiles made with asbestos-containing materials in railroad stations and facilities.
Asbestos Furnace Insulation: Railroad maintenance workers and furnace technicians were exposed to asbestos fibers when repairing or replacing furnace insulation made with asbestos-containing materials in locomotive engines and facilities.
Asbestos Gaskets: Railroad maintenance workers and pipefitters were exposed to asbestos fibers when repairing or replacing gaskets made with asbestos-containing materials in engines, boilers, and piping systems.
Asbestos Insulating Board: Railroad construction workers and maintenance crews were exposed to asbestos fibers when installing or removing insulating boards made with asbestos-containing materials in railroad buildings and facilities.
Asbestos Paints and Coatings: Railroad painters were exposed to asbestos fibers when applying or removing paints and coatings containing asbestos on railroad cars, bridges, and infrastructure.
Asbestos Packing Materials: Railroad maintenance workers and machinists were exposed to asbestos fibers when repairing or replacing packing materials made with asbestos in pumps, valves, and machinery.
Asbestos Pipe Insulation: Railroad pipefitters and maintenance workers were exposed to asbestos fibers when handling or repairing piping systems insulated with asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos Roofing Materials: Railroad maintenance workers and construction crews were exposed to asbestos fibers when installing or repairing roofs made with asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos Steam Pipes: Railroad maintenance workers and pipefitters were exposed to asbestos fibers when repairing or replacing steam pipes insulated with asbestos-containing materials in locomotive engines and facilities.
Asbestos Steam Turbines: Railroad engineers and maintenance workers were exposed to asbestos fibers when repairing or replacing steam turbines insulated with asbestos-containing materials in locomotive engines and facilities.
Asbestos Welding Rods: Railroad welders were exposed to asbestos fibers when welding or cutting materials using asbestos-containing welding rods, which released asbestos particles into the air.
Asbestos Winches: Crew members operating winches with asbestos-containing components risked exposure to asbestos fibers during use and maintenance.
Asbestos Steam Turbines: Railroad engineers and maintenance workers were exposed to asbestos fibers when repairing or replacing steam turbines insulated with asbestos-containing materials in locomotive engines and facilities.
About Mesothelioma Attorneys
Mesothelioma attorneys specialize in helping individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure secure economic damages. These damages are vital financial compensation that aims to alleviate the financial burdens accompanying mesothelioma.
Economic damages cover a wide range of expenses, including medical bills for surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and ongoing medical care. They also address lost wages and future earning capacity, acknowledging the impact mesothelioma can have on one’s ability to work.
To navigate the complexities of economic damages, mesothelioma attorneys provide essential expertise. They assess eligibility, gather crucial evidence, and advocate tirelessly to secure the compensation individuals rightfully deserve. Economic damages are a crucial lifeline for mesothelioma patients and their families, helping them manage the financial implications of this challenging disease.
Taking Legal Action
When confronted with the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis resulting from asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our team is here to assist you in initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced mesothelioma attorney, ensuring the protection of your rights and the delivery of justice. Discover today which Asbestos Trust Funds you may be eligible for to receive compensation.
Schedule a FREE Case Consultation
Scheduling a free case consultation is your first step toward seeking justice in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We are ready to assess your unique situation and provide the guidance you will need during this challenging time. Take this essential step toward pursuing fair compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries.
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When dealing with the complexities of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, getting help from an experienced injury attorney is crucial. For more than 24 years, we have assisted workers, veterans, and families in obtaining the compensation they deserved from negligent asbestos companies. Contact us at 888.640.0914 to secure the support you will need throughout your pursuit of fair and just compensation.
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Veterans and Railroads, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Lawsuits