The estate of Edgar Goodman, of Charlottesville, VA, is claiming that during his employment between 1947 and 1951 at CSX Transportation he was exposed to and inhaled asbestos fibers that originated from products he was using. The estate has filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act complaint (FELA). Passed by Congress in 1908, FELA allows railroad workers who are not covered by regular workers' compensation laws to sue companies over their injury claims.

FELA requires the injured worker prove that the railroad was "legally negligent," in causing an injury. After proving negligence, the injured worker can seek compensation for past and future wage losses, medical expenses and treatments, pain and suffering, and for partial or permanent disability. In the event of death, survivors are entitled to recover damages which they have suffered because of the death.

Goodman, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma on July, 1, 2005, worked with pipe and block insulation, sheet rock, joint compounds, gaskets, packing, cements and brake shoes, all of which contained asbestos. The estate claims that the exposure to asbestos was foreseeable and CSX failed to acknowledge the dangers it posed. Moreover, the estate claims that CSX failed to provide any or adequate instructions concerning the safe methods of working with asbestos.

Prior to his death, Goodman suffered great pain, extreme nervousness, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses. The estate is seeking at least $250,000 in damages including funeral and burial costs.