Overview
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), passed in 1908, allows railroad workers to seek compensation for injuries or illnesses caused by employer negligence — with full tort damages including pain and suffering. Railroad workers have long been exposed to PFAS (firefighting foam, lubricants, coatings), asbestos, diesel exhaust, benzene, and creosote.
Who is affected
- Conductors, engineers, brakemen
- Track maintenance and signal workers
- Yard workers and shop workers
- Railroad firefighters (AFFF exposure)
Conditions and diseases
- Kidney, testicular, liver, thyroid, prostate, breast, pancreatic, bladder cancer (PFAS-linked)
- Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma
- Mesothelioma, lung cancer, throat cancers (asbestos / diesel)
- Catastrophic traumatic injuries