Allentown railroad workers could have been exposed to asbestos during their workdays, as asbestos was widely used on a lot of components of trains from the 1930s through the 1970s. Asbestos was used all throughout the trains, including floor tiles and wallboards in the cabins and carriages. It was used in brake linings, pads, and clutches because it is heat resistant. Allentown railroad workers would have been exposed to asbestos if they were repairing parts or even if they were in the surrounding area when components of the train would deteriorate. Even if you were not directly working on the train parts you could still be exposed by just being in and around the trains.
What Asbestos Does
When asbestos is disturbed, it can be released into the air. It is a carcinogen, so inhaling the fiber can lead to cancer and other diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can get lodged in the lining of different organs in the body, including the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. This can lead to scarring and inflammation, potentially leading to cancer.
Different products in trains include:
- Brakes
- Clutches
- Boilers
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- Gaskets
- Wallboards
Allentown Railroad Workers Exposure
Companies and manufacturers made asbestos-containing products that they then sold to these railroad companies, putting the workers at risk. These companies can be held responsible if a person develops an asbestos-related disease later in life. Abex Corporation is a company that made brake linings, packing, and gaskets for trains. General Motors made asbestos-containing brake shoes. Johns Manville made many different asbestos-containing products that were used on trains, such as heat panels, adhesives, and cement products.
If these companies are no longer in business, such as Johns Manville, in many cases, they have set money aside in an asbestos trust fund. There is currently over $30 billion available in asbestos trust funds that are available to victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. At the Halpern Law Firm we have the knowledge and experience necessary to file a claim or claims with these companies for our clients to receive compensation. If the manufacturers are still in business, they can be sued if they are viable defendants. It is important to note that the vast majority of time cases are settled before going to trial.
Railroad Companies in Allentown
There were multiple railroad companies in and around Allentown, Pennsylvania that may have exposed employees to asbestos. Some of these railroad companies include:
- Allentown & Auburn Railroad
- Lehigh & New England Railroad – Allentown Station
- Lehigh Valley Railroad
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, and were a railroad worker, the Halpern Law Firm can help. We have represented many railroad workers, and we will continue to do so. We specialize in mesothelioma and asbestos cases in Pennsylvania, with an office right in Allentown. For more information, or for a free case evaluation, please call us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form.
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