FELA, or the Federal Employment Liability Act assures railroad employees a safe work place and gives them and their families the right to recover compensation if injured in a railroad related accident. Under FELA, injured employees can seek compensation for wage loss, future wage loss, medical expenses and treatments, pain and suffering, and for partial or permanent disability. All railroad solvent exposure lawsuits have been filed under FELA.
Former Railroad Worker’s Widow Awarded $19M
-August 13, 2007
The widow of a previous railroad worker was awarded $19 million in a settlement that was reached in a New Jersey court last week.
The lawsuit was filed after her husband passed away from an illness contracted from working on the transit system.
Lawsuit Filed
Roger Fuccilli was employed as a railroad car repairman for New Jersey transit for 18 years.
The suit filed by his wife, Catherine, claims that while he was a New Jersey Transit employee, he was exposed to hazardous materials that caused him to contract pulmonary fibrosis in 2000.
Transit System Employee
While Fuccilli was employed for the transit system, he reportedly engaged in welding, sanding, painting, and repairing brakes.
During the time he was performing these duties he is said to have inhaled asbestos, metal dust, and welding fumes.
Settlement Reached
Fuccilli died from pulmonary fibrosis in 2002 and during the last two years of his life had to be out on oxygen supply.
The jury awarded his widow and their children $4.1 million for the pain and suffering Roger endured and $15.1 million for his wrongful death.
(Source: Press Releases)
Have you or someone you know been injured while working on the railroad? If so, please contact us today to speak with a professional FELA attorney who will enable you to be compensated for your injuries.