Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers are responsible for handling large amounts of freight, including food, coal, vehicles, metal ore, and lumber. Unfortunately, the work often comes with serious dangers of disease and illness.
A retired locomotive engineer, like recently filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. claiming that he suffered from chronic throat cancer and lung disease because of his long-term exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally was once used extensively for construction materials. It was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Railroads were the biggest asbestos users because of their insulating properties, especially in the crew cabs of locomotives. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious illness, including cancer.
People who are exposed regularly to asbestos a regular basis have an increased chance of developing cancers such mesothelioma. Inhalation of asbestos particles can cause this type of cancer. It typically takes between 10 and 70 years before symptoms such as breathlessness or bloody cough appear.
Inhaling asbestos particles increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer. The cancer can develop in the larynx or pharynx both of which play a role in speech and digestion. bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement can impact the quality of life for a person in a variety of ways.
You should contact a workers compensation attorney right away if you're diagnosed with throat cancer, and believe it is linked to the job you worked as a railroad employee. A knowledgeable attorney can help you get the financial compensation that you deserve under FELA. Hughes Law Offices compiled a list of recent settlements, verdicts and cases of railroad cancer that involved diesel exhaust, solvents, and other workplace toxins to give you an idea of what to expect.
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 conclusion was the result of research linking diesel fumes to lung cancers and lung diseases, and respiratory illnesses and deaths. Studies also show that diesel exhaust may adversely affect the ecological system, depending on the type of fuel, engine operation and emissions control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust raises the risk of COPD and asthma. Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing these conditions and is known to increase the risk of developing lung cancer in workers who are exposed to diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust particles are smaller than 2.5 microns in size (a human hair measures 70 microns). This permits them to carry cancer-causing chemicals into lungs.
Diesel exhaust particles are tiny enough to attract other harmful gases and chemicals, thereby increasing the toxicity. These substances include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde 1,3-butadiene, benzene and formaldehyde. In the long run, exposure to these chemicals could cause throat cancer, which is called laryngeal carcinoma. Vinyl chloride is yet another harmful chemical found in diesel fumes. It is categorized as a possible carcinogen in humans and is known to cause liver damage and cancer. In addition to affecting the health of railroad workers, diesel emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and acid rain, which adversely affects the plant life and can harm human food sources.
Other Chemicals Toxic
For decades railroad workers were exposed to many toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these chemicals can lead to a variety of debilitating diseases and ailments. Throat cancer is just one of these diseases that has been linked to exposure to chemicals at the workplace. If you have been diagnosed with throat cancer that could be the result of your employment on a railroad, it is important to consult with a FELA lawyer about filing an action.
In addition to asbestos and diesel exhaust There are a host of other toxic substances that can cause throat cancer. Creosote (lead), lead, and degreasing solvents are all known to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are often used on railroad ties, and they can increase the risk of developing throat cancer. These chemicals are also found in the wood dust and coal that is burned on railroads.
Benzene is a second known carcinogen. It is a substance that can be inhaled or absorbed and is known to cause different types of cancer. The compound can be found in lubricants, fuel oils and other railroad products. Diesel exhaust may also contain benzene, which may increase the risk of acquiring throat cancer.
Other risk factors for throat cancer include smoking and drinking. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is another risk factor that, along with smoking and drinking, can contribute to this type of cancer. HPV is transmitted through oral sex, and is a major contributor to oropharyngeal cancer that accounts for 70 percent of all cases.
Pre- lung cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement who has been diagnosed with throat cancer resulting from years of exposure to harmful chemicals could file a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer can help clients prove that their health problems are the result of exposure to toxic substances such as creosote.
A lawsuit can take months or even years to resolve and it's likely that the victim will be liable for thousands of dollars in medical expenses during this time. In some cases the victim may be overwhelmed by the escalating bills that they are unable to work and cannot afford basic necessities.
In these situations, a pre-settlement financing company may be able to provide legal funds to help people keep track of their finances. This type of financial aid is sometimes called a lawsuit cash advance or settlement loan however it should not be mistaken for a loan since there is no repayment required unless the plaintiff wins their case and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal financing company will carefully examine the facts of a person prior to making a decision on whether to grant financial assistance. They will also take into account the medical records and other documents that a person has to provide to determine if they're an appropriate candidate for a lawsuit loan or settlement advance.