Asbestos Railroad Claims (FELA)

For generations, railroad workers kept the country moving—laying track, hauling freight, repairing engines, and keeping America’s trains on time. But behind the power and speed of the railroad industry lurked a deadly danger: asbestos.

From steam-era locomotives to mid-century diesel engines, asbestos was everywhere. It wrapped around boilers, lined brake pads, and insulated pipes in railcars and roundhouses. Workers breathed in asbestos dust during routine maintenance and heavy overhauls—without ever being warned of the risks.

Decades later, many of these workers are facing devastating illnesses: mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. All linked to asbestos exposure on the job.

The law gives them a path to justice.

Under a federal law called the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), railroad workers have the right to sue their employers for asbestos exposure and other on-the-job hazards. Unlike workers’ comp, FELA lets injured workers hold railroad companies accountable for unsafe conditions—and recover full compensation.

We Help Railroad Families Get the Justice They Deserve

If you or a loved one worked on the railroad and later developed an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible for compensation under FELA.

Our firm has decades of experience handling FELA asbestos claims. We’ve helped countless families hold negligent railroads accountable—and we’ll guide you through every step of the legal process with experience, empathy, and determination.

📞 Call 833-4-ASBESTOS or schedule a free consultation online. There’s no cost to talk to us, and no fee unless we win your case.

The railroads ran on asbestos.
If that exposure changed your life, we’re here to help.

The Hidden Engine Behind the Railroad Boom: Asbestos

Steam locomotives powered a nation. But behind every mile of track and every roaring engine was an invisible danger: asbestos.

To understand why, you have to understand what a steam engine really is—a rolling pressure cooker. These machines were essentially giant boilers on wheels, burning fuel to heat water under intense pressure. That steam drove pistons, pulled freight, and carried passengers across the country. But that kind of heat couldn’t be controlled without insulation. And for decades, asbestos was the insulation.

Railroads wrapped it around boilers, fireboxes, brake linings, exhaust pipes, and valves. It filled gaskets, coated electrical panels, and even lined the walls of passenger cars. It was tough, heat-resistant, and fireproof—everything the railroad industry needed to keep things moving.

But every time asbestos was cut, repaired, or disturbed, it released microscopic fibers into the air. Workers breathed them in—day after day, year after year—without knowing the damage being done inside their lungs. For much of the 20th century, railroad workers were surrounded by asbestos without warning. They breathed in toxic dust while repairing boilers, changing brakes, or simply sweeping up in the shops. Decades later, many developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis—all linked to that exposure.

Where Was Asbestos Used in the Railroad Industry?

Asbestos was baked into nearly every aspect of railroad work:

• Locomotive engines – Boilers, piping, and exhaust systems

• Brake pads and clutches – High-friction parts packed with asbestos

• Railcars – Walls, ceilings, floors, heating units, and adhesives

• Repair shops – Insulated walls and ceilings, dusty with fiber-filled debris

• Gaskets and compressors – Everywhere high heat or pressure occurred

• Protective gear – Ironically, gloves and welding blankets sometimes contained asbestos

Even those who never touched asbestos directly were at risk. The fibers floated through the air, settled on clothes, and followed workers home—where spouses and children unknowingly breathed them in. There were no warnings. No masks. No ventilation. Just hard work—and silence.

By the time the railroads admitted the truth, thousands of workers and their families were already sick—or gone.

Learn more about the railroad industry's usage of asbestos.

Why Railroads Relied on Asbestos

Railroads used asbestos extensively for its fireproofing, heat resistance, durability, and low cost. However, its widespread use came at a devastating human cost, as workers were exposed to deadly health risks without warning or protection.

Fireproofing and Safety

• Train fires were deadly—and common. A spark in a tunnel or a brake fire in a crowded city could turn fatal fast. Asbestos helped prevent these tragedies by lining boilers, pipes, and passenger cars with a material that wouldn’t burn.

Heat Resistance and Insulation

• Steam locomotives were mobile furnaces. Their boilers reached hundreds of degrees, and asbestos insulated the machinery to protect workers and prevent heat loss. Diesel engines also used asbestos for gaskets and engine compartments.

Durability and Performance

• Asbestos stood up to punishment, which made it ideal for demanding industrial applications. It was commonly used in brake linings, where its heat resistance provided reliable performance under high-friction conditions. In gaskets and packings, asbestos fibers helped seal joints in engines, pumps, and compressors—systems that required materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and pressure. Even railroad ties were made from asbestos-cement in some cases, valued for their strength, durability, and resistance to harsh weather.

Cheap and Plentiful

• Asbestos was both effective and inexpensive, which made it a staple in the railroad industry—an industry that needed materials durable enough to span thousands of miles of track and decades of heavy use. Its unique combination of fire resistance, insulation, and flexibility meant asbestos could be used in a wide range of applications, from soundproofing and fireproofing passenger cars, to lining the walls, floors, and ceilings of stations, to manufacturing welding blankets and protective clothing for workers exposed to intense heat.

The Hidden Cost: Worker Health

Asbestos powered the railroad industry—but it came at a terrible price.

For decades, railroad workers were exposed without warning. There were no masks. No ventilation. No training. Just long hours spent grinding brake pads, cutting gaskets, and crawling through asbestos-insulated engines—while breathing in toxic dust.

The health risks were known to the industry, but those risks were ignored. By the time the truth came out, it was too late for thousands of workers and their families.

High-Risk Railroad Jobs

Some roles faced particularly heavy exposure:

• Locomotive Engineers and Firemen – Worked inches from boilers insulated with friable asbestos

• Brake Operators – Replaced brake shoes and linings packed with asbestos fibers

• Repair and Maintenance Workers – Regularly handled insulation, gaskets, and asbestos-coated parts

• Passenger Car Cleaners – Disturbed asbestos flooring, adhesives, and wall panels during cleanups

Even those without direct contact were at risk—because asbestos didn’t stay put. It became airborne. It clung to uniforms. It followed workers home, where spouses and children were unknowingly exposed.

Learn more about the highest-risk jobs for railroad workers.

Railroad Negligence Left a Legacy of Illness for Workers

The same mineral that made trains safer and more efficient also caused some of the most devastating occupational diseases in U.S. history.

Today, former railroad workers are still being diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses—often 30 to 50 years after their last exposure. And their family members, exposed through contaminated clothing, are suffering too. We help railroad workers and their families pursue compensation for illnesses including:

• Mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial)

• Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure (with or without a history of smoking)

• Asbestosis

• Secondary asbestos exposure illnesses (from laundering contaminated clothes)

Learn more about the illnesses that asbestos exposure can cause.

If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions—and have a history of railroad work—we can help you determine whether FELA applies.

📞 Call 833-4-ASBESTOS or schedule a free consultation online. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no fee unless we win your case.

What Is the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)?

At the turn of the 20th century, railroad work was one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Brakemen lost limbs. Firemen were burned in boiler explosions. And injured workers had almost no legal recourse—because the law was stacked against them.

Railroad companies could avoid responsibility by blaming the worker (contributory negligence) or pointing to a co-worker (the fellow servant rule). As a result, thousands of families were left with nothing after devastating injuries and deaths.

That changed in 1908.

That's when Congress passed the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) (45 U.S.C.S. § 51-60) to protect railroad workers and give them a way to hold their employers accountable. Unlike traditional workers' compensation systems, FELA lets railroad employees sue for negligence in court—and recover full damages, including pain and suffering.

What Makes FELA Different?

FELA was a landmark law—and it still protects railroad workers today. Here’s how it works:

You Can Sue Your Employer for Negligence

• If your employer failed to provide a safe workplace—and that failure contributed to your illness or injury—you can sue. This includes exposure to asbestos, defective equipment, unsafe procedures, and more.

  • Many states do not allow direct lawsuits against employers, but instead require the injured worker to use the workers' compensation system.

You Can Recover Full Damages

• FELA allows compensation for medical bills, lost income, future earnings, and pain and suffering. Workers' Compensation doesn't cover pain and suffering and the payments it does make are modest compared to a lawsuit.

You Only Need to Prove “Featherweight” Fault

• You don’t have to prove the railroad was entirely at fault. Under FELA, if the company’s negligence played any part in your illness—even slightly—you have a case.

Why FELA Exists: A Law Written in Blood

FELA was born from tragedy. In the late 1800s, railroad workers were being killed and maimed in staggering numbers. Brakemen had to jump between moving cars to hand-tighten brakes. Boiler explosions incinerated entire crews. And railroads did little to improve safety.

Public outrage grew—and Congress finally acted.

FELA wasn’t just a legal reform. It was a message: railroads must take responsibility for the lives they put at risk.

That message still applies today. For workers harmed by asbestos on the job, FELA offers something no other system does: the ability to hold railroad companies accountable in court.

Whether you were a machinist in a roundhouse, a brakeman riding the line, or a passenger car cleaner exposed to asbestos tile dust—you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Our firm has years of experience handling claims for asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. We understand the law, the industry, and the impact this disease has on families.

📞 Call 833-4-ASBESTOS or schedule a free consultation online.
There’s no cost to speak with us, and no fee unless we win your case.

Who Is Eligible to File a FELA Lawsuit?

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) offers powerful legal rights to railroad workers injured by asbestos exposure—but it doesn’t apply to everyone.

To file a claim under FELA, you must meet three key criteria:

1. You Must Be a Railroad Employee

FELA only covers current or former employees of railroad companies engaged in interstate commerce. This means:

• You were directly employed by the railroad—not a contractor, vendor, or third-party.

• Your work was tied to the railroad’s operations, such as maintenance, repair, inspection, or transportation.

✅ Covered Example

• A machinist employed by a major railroad company repairs locomotive engines in a roundhouse filled with asbestos insulation. Years later, he’s diagnosed with mesothelioma. Because he was a direct employee, his FELA claim is valid.

❌ Not Covered Example

• A janitor hired by an outside cleaning company develops asbestosis after working in a contaminated railroad facility. Because they weren’t employed by the railroad, FELA doesn’t apply—they’ll need to pursue other legal avenues.

2. The Exposure Must Have Happened on the Job

FELA applies only if the asbestos exposure occurred while performing your job duties. That includes tasks like:

• Repairing locomotives or passenger cars

• Working in rail yards or roundhouses

• Installing or removing asbestos insulation, brakes, or gaskets

✅ Covered Example

• A railroad electrician is exposed to asbestos insulation while rewiring a locomotive. Years later, he’s diagnosed with lung cancer. His illness is clearly tied to his employment—and therefore eligible under FELA.

❌ Not Covered Example

• Exposure during off-duty hours, unrelated side jobs, or in non-railroad settings would fall outside FELA’s scope.

3. The Railroad Must Be Negligent

FELA is not automatic—you must show that the railroad failed in its duty to keep you safe. Even a small amount of negligence can qualify. Examples include:

• Failing to provide a safe work environment (e.g., poor ventilation or no protective gear)

• Failing to warn workers about the known dangers of asbestos

• Failing to remove or safely manage asbestos-containing materials

✅ Covered Example

• A roundhouse engineer is exposed to asbestos from steam locomotives. The company knows the risks but doesn’t issue masks, install proper ventilation, or offer training. Years later, the worker develops mesothelioma. That’s a textbook FELA case.

What FELA Doesn’t Cover: Family Exposure

FELA only protects railroad employees—not their families. That means loved ones who develop mesothelioma or other illnesses from take-home asbestos exposure can’t file under FELA. But they still have legal options.

Hypothetical Example: Tom and Sarah’s Story

Tom was a railroad mechanic for 30 years. Day in and day out, he repaired steam and diesel locomotives filled with asbestos insulation. Years later, he was diagnosed with asbestosis. Because Tom was a direct railroad employee and his exposure happened on the job, he filed a FELA lawsuit and recovered compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Sarah, his wife, never worked for the railroad. But for decades, she laundered Tom’s dusty work clothes—unaware that they were contaminated with asbestos fibers. Years later, Sarah was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer linked to secondhand asbestos exposure.

Although Sarah is not eligible to file under FELA, she still has legal options. Her lawsuit would proceed under traditional state liability laws—not federal railroad law. That means:

• She can sue the railroad directly, typically under a premises liability theory (for failing to protect workers’ families from foreseeable asbestos hazards).

• She may also bring product liability claims against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing parts Tom handled.

• In some cases, she can file asbestos trust claims related to specific products.

However, Sarah faces a higher burden of proof than Tom did. Under FELA, Tom only had to show that the railroad’s negligence played any role in causing his disease. Sarah must typically meet a more demanding state-law standard—often requiring stronger evidence of the railroad’s knowledge, failure to warn, and the foreseeability of her injury.

Still, courts in many states have allowed these lawsuits to move forward—especially when railroads knew about the risks of asbestos but did nothing to prevent take-home exposure.

Learn more about the legal options available to railroad workers and their families.

Not Sure If You're Eligible? We Can Help.

Understanding FELA eligibility can be complex—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

📞 Call 833-4-ASBESTOS or schedule a free consultation online.
We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you pursue the justice you deserve.

Understanding the Featherweight Burden in FELA Lawsuits

One of the most powerful advantages FELA gives to injured railroad workers is the relaxed burden of proof—something that can make the difference between winning and losing a case.

If you or a loved one developed an asbestos-related illness, this lower legal threshold could be the key to holding the railroad accountable—even if you were also exposed to asbestos elsewhere.

What FELA Requires You to Prove

To succeed in a FELA lawsuit, a worker must prove three elements:

1. Negligence – That the railroad failed to provide a safe workplace (e.g., by exposing you to asbestos without proper warnings or protections).

2. Causation – That the railroad’s negligence contributed in any way to your illness.

3. Harm – That the exposure caused you measurable injury, such as cancer, asbestosis, or other health damage.

That second point—causation—is where FELA stands apart from traditional lawsuits.

What Is the “Featherweight” Burden of Proof?

In most personal injury cases, plaintiffs must show that the defendant’s actions were the primary cause of the injury. That’s a high bar—especially in asbestos cases, where people are often exposed from multiple sources over decades.

FELA is different.

Under FELA, the railroad does not have to be the main cause of your illness. You only need to show that its negligence played any part, even the slightest, in causing your harm.

Courts have called this the “featherweight” burden of proof—and it’s one of the strongest protections railroad workers have under the law.

Why This Matters for Asbestos Claims

Asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma can take decades to appear and often involve multiple sources of exposure. That makes proving causation difficult under traditional injury law.

But under FELA, you don’t have to untangle every possible source of exposure. You just need to show:

• You were exposed to asbestos while working for the railroad,

• The railroad failed to protect you, and

• That failure contributed in any way to your illness.

FELA vs. Traditional Injury Law: What’s the Difference?

A Hypothetical Example: Winning Under FELA

Jack worked in a railroad repair shop for 5 years. He regularly handled asbestos insulation and brake linings without protective equipment. Later, Jack worked as a machinist at a refinery for another decade, where he also encountered asbestos.

Eventually, Jack developed mesothelioma.

• Under traditional tort law, Jack might struggle to prove the railroad was the main cause of his illness, especially with his later asbestos exposure.

• Under FELA, Jack only needs to show the railroad’s negligence contributed in any way. The fact that the shop failed to warn him or provide masks is enough.

Jack’s case would likely succeed under FELA’s relaxed standard, even if his later exposure played a role.

Bottom Line: FELA Makes It Easier to Win

The featherweight burden is one of the strongest legal advantages available to railroad workers. You don’t need to prove the railroad caused your illness alone—just that it played a part.

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis after working on the railroad, we can help you build a case under this favorable standard.

📞 Call 833-4-ASBESTOS or schedule a free consultation online.
You don’t need to carry the burden of proof alone. We’re here to help.

What Compensation Is Available in FELA Cases?

FELA gives railroad workers and their families access to full compensation—something most workers never get under traditional workers’ comp systems. That includes both economic and noneconomic damages, and in rare cases, punitive damages as well.

If a railroad worker passes away from an asbestos-related illness, surviving family members can also file a wrongful death claim under FELA.

Economic Damages

These cover real, measurable financial losses caused by the illness:

• Medical Expenses – Costs of treatment, including surgeries, chemotherapy, hospitalization, home care, and medication.

• Lost Wages – Income lost during treatment or due to permanent disability.

• Reduced Earning Capacity – Compensation for future earnings the worker will no longer be able to earn.

• Funeral and Burial Costs – In wrongful death cases, FELA can cover end-of-life expenses.

Noneconomic Damages

These cover the human cost of asbestos-related illness—often the most devastating part:

• Pain and Suffering – For the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional toll of the disease.

• Emotional Distress – For anxiety, depression, fear, and mental anguish.

• Loss of Companionship – For spouses who lose the emotional and practical partnership of a husband or wife.

• Loss of Parental Guidance – For children who will grow up without a parent’s care, teaching, or emotional support.

Punitive Damages

Although rare in FELA cases, punitive damages may be awarded when a railroad acted with extreme negligence—such as knowingly exposing workers to asbestos without warnings or protective equipment. These damages are meant to punish bad behavior and send a message to other employers.

Hypothetical Example: A Family Impacted by FELA Damages

John, a railroad engineer, worked for a major rail company for 25 years. He maintained locomotives packed with asbestos insulation. Years after retirement, John was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

His FELA claim included:

• Medical Costs for his treatment

• Lost Wages from time off work

• Pain and Suffering for the toll of the disease

His wife Mary received:

• Loss of Companionship for the emotional hardship of watching John deteriorate

• Economic Losses from lost household income and future financial strain

His teenage son Alex received:

• Loss of Parental Guidance for the support he will miss out on

His adult daughter Sarah was compensated for:

• Emotional Distress from her father’s illness and loss

Maximizing Compensation for Your Family

FELA claims are about more than just medical bills. They are about making families whole after a devastating and preventable illness. An experienced FELA attorney can help ensure every type of damage is accounted for—from financial strain to emotional loss.

📞 Call 833-4-ASBESTOS or schedule a free consultation online.
We’ll help you understand your options and pursue the compensation your family deserves.

How Are FELA Claims Different from Other Asbestos Claims?

FELA is a powerful legal tool—but it’s not the only one. Many railroad workers (and their families) may qualify for additional claims beyond FELA. Knowing how these work—and how they can be combined—is the key to recovering full compensation.

FELA Claims

• Available only to current or former railroad employees

• Allows workers to sue their employer directly for negligence

• Offers full compensation (not capped)

• Uses a relaxed “featherweight” burden of proof

Workers’ Compensation Claims

• For workers not covered under FELA (e.g., independent contractors, dockworkers, or shop workers not employed by the railroad)

• Handled under state systems or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

• No-fault, but typically limited to medical expenses and partial wage replacement

• No compensation for pain and suffering

Product Liability Claims

• Target the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products (e.g., insulation, gaskets, brake pads)

• Focus on failures to warn or design safer products

• Often used in addition to FELA when workers handled known asbestos products

Asbestos Trust Claims

• Filed against bankrupt asbestos manufacturers

• Many trusts were set up as part of bankruptcy settlements to pay future victims

• Railroad workers (and their families) can file trust claims in addition to FELA or product claims

• Especially important in take-home exposure cases, where a family member—not eligible under FELA—develops mesothelioma

Combining Claims for Maximum Compensation

Railroad workers exposed to asbestos—and their families—often qualify for multiple overlapping claims. Pursuing every available option ensures maximum compensation and holds all responsible parties accountable.

Hypothetical: How One Family Could Combine Multiple Claims

Tom worked as a railroad brakeman for 20 years. He was constantly exposed to asbestos from brake pads, gaskets, and insulation. Decades later, Tom was diagnosed with mesothelioma. His wife, Susan, developed asbestosis after years of laundering Tom’s dusty, asbestos-contaminated work clothes.

Together, they pursued several claims:

• FELA Lawsuit (Tom)
  Tom sued his former railroad employer under FELA for failing to provide a safe work environment, protective equipment, or asbestos warnings.

• Product Liability Claims (Tom)
  Tom also filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing brakes and insulation he handled during his career.

• Asbestos Trust Claims (Tom and Susan)
  Tom filed trust claims with multiple asbestos bankruptcy trusts tied to products he used.
  Susan filed trust claims based on take-home exposure, holding manufacturers accountable for not warning families about secondhand risk.

The Potential Outcome:
Tom recovered substantial compensation through his FELA claim, product liability lawsuits, and trust claims.
Susan received compensation through asbestos trust funds, providing critical support for their family.

Asbestos cases are complex—but we know how to build strong claims from every angle.

By combining FELA lawsuits with product liability claims and trust fund filings, we ensure nothing is left on the table. Whether you’re a railroad worker or a family member affected by secondhand exposure, our legal strategies are designed to get you the most compensation possible.

What Sets Our Firm Apart

✅ Comprehensive Legal Strategy
We pursue every available claim—including FELA lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, and product liability cases—to ensure no compensation is left on the table.

✅ Proven Results
Our team has helped thousands of families recover asbestos-related compensation—and over the past decade, we’ve secured nearly $400 million on behalf of clients nationwide.

✅ Compassionate, Hands-On Support
We handle the legal heavy lifting—so you can focus on your health and family.

✅ No Upfront Costs
You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Learn more about why to choose our firm to help your family.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one worked on the railroad and later developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for significant compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)—but time is limited.

📞 Call us today at 833-4-ASBESTOS (833-427-2378) Or schedule your free consultation online with the form below.

We’ll listen. We’ll explain your options. And we’ll build a legal strategy that’s tailored to your case—and focused on holding the railroad accountable.

🚂 You kept the trains running. Now let us fight to protect the legacy you worked so hard to build.