Railroad companies sued by man who claims he contracted cancer

 

March 21, 2013 4:37 PM
By Tia Benton

NEW ORLEANS – A former employee of Amtrak and CSX Transportation is suing the entities on claims that each is liable unto him for damages after he contracted non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Joseph Tangell filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. and National Railroad Passenger Company (AMTRAK) on Jan. 18 in the Orleans Parish Central District Court.

Tangell asserts his diagnosis of lymphoma is a result of the defendant’s alleged failure to provide protective equipment for his work environment wherein he’d been exposed to diesel exhaust, diesel fumes, toxic chemicals, welding fumes, dust, powders, dioxins and other toxins while working as a machinist.

The defendants are accused of failing to provide plaintiff with a safe work environment, failing to provide safe and adequate tools, equipment and appliances for employees and failing to free work environment of hazards.

The plaintiff is seeking a trial by jury as well as reasonable damages in the premises and cost of all legal expenses.

Joel Waltzer of Harvey-based Waltzer, Wiygul & Garside LLP will represent Tangell.

This case has been assigned to Division D Judge Lloyd J. Medley.

Case no. 2013-680.