Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers manage large amounts of freight, including fuel, coal, vehicles, metal ore, and lumber. Unfortunately, this demanding job often comes with serious health risks.
For example, a retired locomotive engineer recently filed an action against CSX Transportation Inc. alleging that he suffered from throat cancer and chronic lung disease because of his exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally was once widely used in a variety of construction materials. It was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Asbestos was widely used by railroads for its insulation properties. Inhaling asbestos fibers could cause serious illnesses, including cancer.
Regular asbestos exposure increases the risk of cancers such as mesothelioma. This kind of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos particles and it typically takes between 10 to 70 years before symptoms such as breath shortness or bloody coughing to develop.
Inhalation can increase the risk of laryngeal cancer. Cancer can occur in either the larynx (which is involved in digestion and speech) or the pharynx. Laryngeal cancer can affect the quality of life for a person in a variety of ways.
If mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement have been diagnosed with a throat cancer you believe is related to your work as a railroad employee, an experienced workers' compensation lawyer must be contacted immediately. An experienced attorney can help you receive the financial benefits that you deserve under FELA. To give you an idea of what to expect, Hughes Law Offices has provided a selection of recent verdicts and settlements in cancer cases involving railroads that included diesel exhaust, solvents and other toxic substances in the workplace.
Diesel Exhaust
In 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer -- which is part of the World Health Organization -- classified diesel exhaust as 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. The research suggests that diesel exhaust could negatively impact the ecosystem, depending on the type of fuel, engine operation, and the emissions control system.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD and asthma. Smoking is a major contributor to these issues and is believed to increase the risk of lung cancer among those who are exposed to diesel fumes. The small size of diesel exhaust, which is less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is 70 microns) allows it to carry cancer-causing chemicals deep into the lung.
The tiny particle size of diesel exhaust makes it attract other toxic chemicals and gases which increase the toxicity. These substances include formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene. They also include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Chronic exposure to these chemicals may cause throat cancer (also called laryngeal carcinoma). Other harmful chemicals found in diesel fumes include vinyl chloride which is classified as a potential human carcinogen and can cause liver damage and cancer. pancreatic cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement can also impact the health of employees working for railroads. They contribute to acid rain and ground-level Ozone, which can harm vegetation as well as human food sources.
Other Toxic Chemicals
For many years railroad workers have been exposed to many toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these chemicals can cause many painful illnesses and diseases. Workplace exposure to chemicals has been linked with throat cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the throat, which may have been caused by your work on a railroad, it's essential to consult an FELA attorney regarding making an claim.
There are a variety of harmful substances in addition to asbestos and diesel exhaust which can cause throat cancer. All of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, including creosote and lead. These chemicals are found on railroad ties and can increase your risk for throat cancer. These chemicals are also found in coal and wood dust that is burned on the railroads.
Benzene is another known carcinogen. It is a poison that can be inhaled, or eaten and has been proven to cause a variety of cancer. This chemical is commonly found in lubricants, fuel oils and other railroad products. Diesel exhaust may also contain benzene, which can increase the risk of developing throat cancer.
Drinking and smoking are both causes of throat cancer. In addition the human papilloma virus (HPV) can contribute to this kind of cancer. HPV spreads through oral sexual contact and is a significant contributor to oropharyngeal cancer that accounts for 70% of cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer of the throat resulting from years of exposure to dangerous chemicals may file a suit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer could help the client prove that their health problems are the result of exposure to toxic substances like creosote.
It can take months or even years, to conclude a lawsuit. In this time, the victim is likely to be hit with thousands of dollars in medical expenses. In some cases the mounting costs can be so overwhelming that a person is unable to work and is unable to pay for basic needs.
In such situations in these situations, a pre-settlement finance company may be able to provide legal funds to help a person stay on top of their finances. pancreatic cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement of financial aid can be referred to as a settlement or lawsuit cash advance loan, but it is not to be confused with a loan as there is no obligation to repay unless the plaintiff is successful and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal finance company will carefully scrutinize the facts of a person prior to approving an application for financial aid. They will also consider the medical records and other documentation the applicant provides in order to determine if they're a good candidate for the loan of a settlement or lawsuit advance.