Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers move a lot of freight, including food vehicles, metal ore, wood, and coal. Unfortunately, this work often comes with serious dangers of illness and disease.
For instance, a retired locomotive engineer recently filed an action against CSX Transportation Inc. alleging that he suffered from throat cancer and chronic lung disease as a result of his exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that 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 frequently utilized by railroads for its insulation properties. However, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illness and cancer.
bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement who are exposed to asbestos on daily basis are at a greater risk of developing cancers, such as mesothelioma. This type of cancer is caused by inhalation of asbestos-containing particles and it can take anywhere from 10 to 70 years for the first signs such as breath shortness or bloody coughing to develop.
Inhalation can increase the risk of developing laryngeal carcinoma. The cancer can grow in the pharynx or the larynx, both of which play a role in digestion and speech. A laryngeal cancer diagnosis can affect a person's quality of life in many ways.
You must contact a' compensation attorney immediately if you've been diagnosed with throat cancer, and believe it is due to the work you did as a railroad worker. An experienced lawyer can help you obtain the financial benefits 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 railroad cancer cases that involved 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 was based on studies that connected exposure to diesel fumes and particles with lung disease and cancer such as respiratory illnesses and death. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement has also revealed that diesel exhaust may adversely affect the ecological system, depending on the type of fuel, engine operation and emission control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust increases 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. Diesel exhaust particles are less than 2.5 microns in size (a human hair is 70 microns). This enables them to carry cancer-causing chemicals into lung.
The tiny size of diesel exhaust also makes it a magnet for gas and other toxic chemicals, which further increases the toxicity. These substances include formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the long run, exposure to these chemicals could cause throat cancer (also known as laryngeal carcinoma). Vinyl chloride is a second toxic chemical that is found in diesel fumes. It is categorized as a potential carcinogen for humans and is known to cause cancer and liver damage. In addition to impacting the health of railroad workers Diesel emissions contribute to the production of ground-level Ozone and acid rain, which negatively impacts the environment and human food sources.
Other Chemicals Toxic
For decades, railroad workers have been exposed to numerous toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these chemicals can trigger a range of debilitating diseases and illnesses. Throat cancer is just one of these illnesses that has been linked to chemical exposure in the workplace. If you were diagnosed with throat cancer that could be a result of your employment on railways, it is important to consult with a FELA lawyer regarding filing a claim.
Aside from asbestos and diesel exhaust There are a variety of other harmful substances which can cause throat cancer. All of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, including creosote as well as lead. These chemicals are used extensively on railroad ties and they could increase the risk of developing throat cancer. These chemicals are also found in coal and wood dust used in railroads.
Benzene is a second known carcinogen. It can be inhaled or consumed and is believed to cause various types of cancer. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement is found in lubricants, fuel oil and other products that are used on the railroads. The Benzene compound can also be breathed in through diesel exhaust, which could increase the risk of developing throat cancer.
Other risks for developing throat cancer include drinking and smoking. Human papillomavirus (HPV) also, can contribute to this type cancer. HPV is spread through oral sex, and is a major contributor to oropharyngeal carcinoma, which accounts 70% of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Finance
A railroad worker who has been diagnosed with throat cancer resulting from years of exposure to chemicals can bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer can help the client prove that their health issues are the result of exposure to toxic substances like creosote.
A lawsuit may take months or even years to settle, and it's likely that the victim will have to pay thousands of dollars in medical expenses during this time. In some cases the mounting bills could be so overwhelming that a person is unable to work and cannot afford basic needs.
In these instances the pre-settlement financing firm can offer legal money to help someone keep their finances in check. This type of financial assistance can be referred to as a lawsuit cash advance or settlement loan however it should not be confused with a loan as there is no repayment required unless the plaintiff is successful and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal financing company will carefully examine the details of a client's case before approving an application for financial assistance. They also take into consideration medical records and other evidence provided by the applicant to determine if the applicant is a suitable candidate for a settlement loan or a lawsuit loan advances.