Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers move a lot of freight, including food cars, wood, metal ore, and coal. Unfortunately, this demanding occupation often poses serious health risks.
For instance, a retired locomotive engineer recently filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. alleging that he was suffering from throat cancer and chronic lung diseases because of his exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used extensively in a variety of construction materials. It was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Railroads were frequent users of asbestos for their insulating properties, especially in the crew cabs of locomotives. Unfortunately, inhaling asbestos fibers is known to cause serious illness and even cancer.
Regular asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing cancers like mesothelioma. Inhalation of asbestos particles can cause this kind of cancer. It generally takes between 10 and 70 years before symptoms like shortness of breathe or bloody cough appear.
The inhalation of asbestos particles increases the risk of developing laryngeal cancer. The cancer can develop in the pharynx or larynx both of which play a role in speech and digestion. A diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma can impact a person's quality of life in many ways.
If you have been diagnosed with throat cancer that you believe is related to your work as a railroad worker an experienced workers' compensation lawyer must be immediately contacted. A skilled attorney can assist you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled under FELA. To give you an idea of what you can expect, Hughes Law Offices has collected a list of recent settlements and verdicts in railroad cancer cases that included diesel exhaust, solvents and other toxic substances in the workplace.
Diesel Exhaust
In 2012 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) classified diesel exhaust as being carcinogenic to humans. This conclusion was the result of research linking diesel fumes with lung cancers and lung diseases, in addition to respiratory diseases and deaths. Studies show that diesel exhaust can negatively impact the ecosystem, depending on the fuel type and the operation of the engine as well as the emissions control system.
Exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of various types of lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma. myelodysplastic syndrome caused by railroad how to get a settlement can worsen these issues and increase the risk of lung cancer among those exposed to diesel fumes. The small size of diesel exhaust that is less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is 70 microns) allows it to carry cancer-causing chemicals deep into the lung.
Diesel exhaust particles are so small that they attract other toxic gases and substances, thereby increasing the toxicity. These chemicals include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, benzene and 1,3-butadiene. In the long run, exposure to these chemicals may cause throat cancer (also known as laryngeal tumor). Other harmful chemicals found in diesel fumes include vinyl chloride, which has been categorized as a potential human carcinogen and can cause liver damage and cancer. In addition to impacting the health of railroad workers diesel emissions are also responsible for the production of ground-level ozone as well as acid rain that negatively affects the plant life and can harm the food supply of humans.
Other Chemicals Toxic
Railroad workers have been exposed for decades to harmful chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these chemicals can cause a range of debilitating illnesses and diseases. cll caused by railroad how to get a settlement of the throat is among these illnesses that has been linked to exposure to chemicals at work. If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the throat that could be a result of the work you do on railways, it is important to speak with an FELA lawyer regarding making a claim.
There are other toxic substances, besides asbestos and diesel exhaust that could cause throat cancer. Creosote (lead), lead, and cleaning solvents are all thought to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are found on railroad ties and can increase your risk for throat cancer. These chemicals can also be found in wood dust and coal that is burned on railroads.
Benzene is another known carcinogen. It can be inhaled or ingested and has been proven to cause a variety of cancer. This compound is found in lubricants, fuel oils and other railroad products. Benzene can also be inhaled through diesel exhaust, which could increase your risk of developing throat cancer.
myelodysplastic syndrome caused by railroad how to get a settlement for developing throat cancer include smoking and drinking. Additionally, the human papilloma virus (HPV) may also contribute to this kind of cancer. HPV is transmitted through oral sex, and it is a major contributor to oropharyngeal cancer that accounts for 70 percent of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker who has been diagnosed with throat cancer resulting from years of exposure to chemicals can make a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act. emphysema caused by railroad how to get a settlement can assist a client in proving that their health problems resulted from occupational exposure to toxic chemicals such as creosote.
It could take months, or even years, to conclude a lawsuit. The victim is likely to incur thousands of dollars in medical expenses. In some instances the victim may be overwhelmed by the increasing bills that they're unable keep working and can't pay for basic necessities.
In these situations an organization that offers pre-settlement funding can provide legal funds to help an individual keep their finances in order. This kind of financial aid is sometimes called a settlement or lawsuit cash advance loan, but it is not to be mistaken for a loan since there is no obligation to repay unless the plaintiff is successful and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal financing company will carefully examine the details of a person's situation before approving an application for financial assistance. cll caused by railroad how to get a settlement take into consideration medical records and other documents provided by the applicant to determine if the person is a suitable candidate for an attorney loan or settlement advances.