Railroad workers are at a significantly elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Why is that? Because railroad workers have historically been exposed to known causes of Parkinson’s disease, including herbicides, chlorinated solvents and welding fumes. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease generally occurs […]

Recent medical studies provide compelling evidence linking railroad workers’ herbicide exposures to Parkinson’s disease.  The railroads rely on herbicides to control vegetation on mainline tracks, at rail crossings, and inside their rail yards. Most railroads spray their entire system with herbicides at […]

The Facts: On January 19, 2014, 49-year-old Scott Kowalewski was working as an engineer for BNSF Railway at the Northtown railyard in Minnesota. During the coupling of tank cars that contained casinghead gasoline, the cars vented poisonous fumes where Kowalewski was working. […]

Chicago-based Hughes Law Offices serves current and former railroad employees diagnosed with cancer, leukemia and pulmonary issues as a result of their work for the railroad.  Whether you worked in engine service, on the track or in the shops, we will analyze your craft’s unique exposures and determine whether they […]

Workplace exposures to creosote put railroad workers at higher risk of developing illnesses such as leukemia and cancer.  Creosote is a wood preservative that is applied to railroad ties. Railroad workers are exposed to creosote through tie unloading operations, tie installation […]