Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers move a wide range of cargo, including food vehicles, metal ore, wood and coal. Sadly, this demanding job is often associated with high risks of illness and disease.
A retired locomotive engineer, for example recently filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. claiming that he was suffering from chronic throat cancer and lung disease due to his long-term exposure diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was once used extensively in all sorts of construction materials. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Railroads were heavy asbestos users due to their insulating properties, specifically in crew cabs on locomotives. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious illness, including cancer.
The people who are exposed to asbestos on daily basis are at an increased chance of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. This kind of cancer is caused by inhalation of asbestos-containing particles and it can take anywhere from 10 to 70 years for symptoms such as breath shortness or coughing up blood to appear.
Inhaling asbestos particles increases a person's risk of developing laryngeal cancer. Cancer can develop in either the larynx (which is involved in digestion and speech) or pharynx. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement can be a source of many negative impacts on the person's life.
If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer that you believe is related to your work as a railroad employee and you suspect that it is related to your job, a skilled workers' compensation lawyer must be contacted immediately. A skilled attorney can assist you receive the financial compensation that you deserve under FELA. Hughes Law Offices compiled a list of recent verdicts, settlements and cases of cancer in railroads involving solvents, diesel exhaust, and other toxic substances in the workplace to give you a better idea of what is expected.
Diesel Exhaust
In 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer -- part of the World Health Organization -- classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans. This decision was based upon studies that connected exposure to diesel fumes and particles to lung cancer and lung disease such as respiratory illnesses and even death. Studies show that diesel exhaust can negatively impact the eco-system dependent on the type of fuel as well as the engine's operation and emissions control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD and asthma. Smoking cigarettes can worsen these issues and increase the risk of lung cancer for those who are 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.
The small size of diesel exhaust also causes it to attract gas and other toxic chemicals which increase the toxicity. These include formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and formaldehyde. In the long run, exposure to these chemicals can lead to throat cancer and is known as laryngeal carcinoma. Vinyl chloride is yet another harmful chemical found in diesel fumes. It has been classified as a carcinogen that could be harmful to humans and can cause cancer and liver damage. In addition to affecting the health of railroad workers, diesel emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and acid rain, which adversely impacts the environment and human food supplies.
Other Toxic Chemicals
For decades railroad workers have been exposed to many toxic chemicals. Researchers have found that these chemicals can cause many debilitating illnesses and diseases. The exposure to chemicals in the workplace has been linked to throat cancer. If you have been diagnosed with throat cancer that could be a result of your employment on a railroad, it is important to speak with an FELA lawyer about making a claim.
There are other harmful substances besides asbestos and diesel exhaust that can cause throat cancer. Creosote (lead), lead, and solvents for degreasing are all considered to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are frequently used on railroad ties and they could increase the risk of throat cancer. These chemicals can also be found in the wood dust and coal that is burned on railroads.
Benzene is another known carcinogen. It can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed, and is believed to cause different types of cancer. aml caused by railroad how to get a settlement can be found in fuel oils, lubricants and other railroad products. It can also be inhaled through diesel exhaust, which can increase your risk of developing throat cancer.
Other risk factors for throat cancer include smoking and drinking. In addition the human papilloma virus (HPV) can contribute to this type of cancer. HPV is transmitted through oral sex, and it is a major contributor to oropharyngeal cancer, which accounts for 70% of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker diagnosed with throat cancer due to years of exposure to chemicals can sue under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer can help clients prove that their health problems are caused by exposure to toxic substances like creosote.
A lawsuit could take months or even years to resolve and it's possible that a victim will incur thousands of dollars in medical bills during this period. In some cases the victim may be so overwhelmed by the mounting bills that they're unable to work and cannot pay for basic necessities.
In these instances, a pre-settlement finance company can provide legal money to help someone maintain their finances. This kind of financial aid is sometimes called a settlement loan, or lawsuit cash advance, however it should not be confused with the traditional loan since the repayment process isn't required until the plaintiff wins the case and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal finance company will carefully review the details of a client's situation before approving an application for financial assistance. They will also consider the medical records, and other documentation provided by the applicant to determine if the applicant is an ideal candidate for a settlement loan or a lawsuit loan advances.