Mesothelioma Lawyer for Railroad Workers (FELA Claims)
Railroad workers (engineers, conductors, machinists, mechanics, maintenance-of-way) handled asbestos-insulated steam and diesel locomotives, asbestos-insulated cabooses, asbestos-containing brake linings, and asbestos in yard buildings. Railroad workers have a unique compensation track: FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) provides direct negligence claims against the railroad.
FELA — Railroad Workers' Direct Compensation Track
Unlike most workers (who must rely on workers' compensation + product liability + trust funds), railroad workers have FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act, 1908). FELA allows railroad workers to sue their employer-railroad directly for negligence — including failure to provide a safe workplace from asbestos exposure. FELA claims are typically filed in state court, with juries deciding both negligence and damages. FELA has produced large mesothelioma verdicts against major railroads.
Common Employers — Railroad Worker Asbestos Exposure
- Union Pacific
- BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe)
- Norfolk Southern
- CSX Transportation
- Conrail (defunct, predecessor liability)
- Penn Central / NYC / Pennsylvania Railroad (defunct)
- Amtrak
- Various short lines
Common Asbestos-Containing Products Encountered
- Asbestos locomotive insulation
- Asbestos caboose insulation
- Asbestos brake linings on rail equipment
- Asbestos in yard maintenance buildings
- Asbestos pipe lagging in roundhouses
Top States for Railroad Worker Mesothelioma Claims
- Florida (CSX HQ, Jacksonville)
- Nebraska (Union Pacific HQ, Omaha)
- Texas (BNSF)
- Virginia (Norfolk Southern HQ)
- Pennsylvania (rail history)
- New York
- Illinois (Chicago hub)
Asbestos Trust Funds Available to Railroad Worker Claimants
The following asbestos trust funds typically pay claims to railroad workers with documented work history and mesothelioma diagnosis. Most claimants qualify for 8–15 trust funds simultaneously.
- Manville Trust + standard product liability + FELA against railroad
How Whitman Mesothelioma Law Firm Helps Railroad Workers
Whitman Mesothelioma Law Firm represents railroad workers nationwide who developed mesothelioma from documented occupational asbestos exposure. Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $2 billion for clients. We pursue all available compensation tracks: trust fund claims, lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers, and (where applicable) FELA claims for railroad workers or VA disability for veterans.
Authored by Michelle Whitman, reviewed by Paul Danziger, edited by Rod De Llano.
Frequently Asked Questions — Railroad Worker Mesothelioma Claims
I worked for CSX as a conductor for 35 years. Can I file a mesothelioma claim?
Yes — and you have FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) claims directly against CSX in addition to product liability claims and trust fund claims. FELA produces some of the largest mesothelioma verdicts because it's decided by jury and assesses railroad negligence directly.
What's special about FELA for railroad mesothelioma claims?
FELA (since 1908) lets railroad workers sue their employer for negligence directly. Unlike workers' comp (which is limited and exclusive remedy in most jobs), FELA allows full damages including pain and suffering. State court juries decide. Large verdicts are common.
Have additional questions? Call 1-800-875-3000 or submit a free case evaluation.