Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers move a wide range of cargo including food cars, metal ore, wood, and coal. Unfortunately, this demanding job often comes with severe health risks.
A retired locomotive engineer, like has 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 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. Railroads were heavy asbestos users due to their insulating properties, especially in crew cabs on locomotives. Unfortunately, inhaling asbestos particles is known to cause serious illness and cancer.
The people who are exposed to asbestos on daily basis are at a greater risk of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. The inhalation of asbestos particles could cause this type of cancer. It can take between 10 and 70 years before symptoms such as breathlessness or a bloody cough are evident.
The inhalation of asbestos particles increases the risk of developing laryngeal cancer. The cancer may develop in the pharynx or larynx, both of which play a role in speech and digestion. Laryngeal cancer is a diagnosis that can affect the quality of life of an individual in many ways.
You must contact a compensation lawyer immediately if you've been diagnosed with throat cancer and believe it is linked to the job you worked as a railroad worker. An experienced attorney can help you receive the financial benefits that you are entitled to under FELA. To give you an idea of what you can expect, Hughes Law Offices has compiled some examples of recent settlements and verdicts in cases involving cancer of the railroad 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. lung cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement was the result of research linking diesel fumes to lung diseases and cancer, as well as respiratory ailments and deaths. Studies also show that diesel exhaust may negatively impact the ecological system, depending on the type of fuel and the operation of the engine as well as emission control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD and asthma. Smoking can make these conditions worse and increase the risk of developing lung cancer when exposed to diesel fumes. The tiny size of diesel exhaust, that is less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is 70 microns), allows it to carry the cancer-causing chemicals deep into lung.
Diesel exhaust particles are tiny enough to attract other harmful gases and chemicals, thereby increasing the toxicity. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and formaldehyde. Exposure to these chemicals over time can cause throat cancer that is known as laryngeal carcinoma. Other harmful chemicals found in diesel fumes are vinyl chloride, that has been classified as a possible human carcinogen and may cause liver damage and cancer. In addition to affecting the health of railroad workers Diesel emissions contribute to the production of ground-level ozone as well as acid rain that negatively impacts the vegetation and damages food sources for humans.
Other Chemicals Toxic
Railroad workers have been exposed for a long time to toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these substances can cause a range of debilitating diseases and illnesses. The exposure to chemicals in the workplace has been linked to throat cancer. If you've been diagnosed with cancer of the throat that could have been caused by your job on railways, it is important to consult with a FELA lawyer about filing an action.
There are other toxic substances in addition to asbestos and diesel exhaust that can cause throat carcinoma. bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement of these substances are known to cause cancer, including creosote as well as lead. These chemicals are found on railroad ties and increase the risk of throat cancer. These chemicals are also present in the wood dust and coal that is burned on the railroads.
Benzene is a second known carcinogen. It can be inhaled or ingested and is believed to cause various types of cancer. The compound can be found in lubricants, fuel oils and other railroad products. Diesel exhaust may also contain benzene. This compound can increase the risk of acquiring throat cancer.
Other risk factors for throat cancer include smoking and drinking. Additionally, the human papilloma virus (HPV) can contribute to this kind of cancer. HPV is spread through oral sex, and is a major contributor to oropharyngeal carcinoma, which accounts 70 percent of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Funding
A railroad worker who is diagnosed with cancer of the throat due to years of exposure can bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement can help a client prove that their health issues were caused by occupational exposure to toxic substances such as creosote.
It could take months or even years to settle a lawsuit. During this time the victim could be hit with thousands of dollars worth of medical bills. In some instances the victim may be so overwhelmed by the mounting bills that they are unable to keep working and can't afford the essentials.
In these instances an organization that offers pre-settlement funding can provide legal funds to assist a person keep their finances in order. This kind of financial aid is often referred to as a settlement cash advance or lawsuit loan, but it should not be confused with a loan because there is no requirement for repayment unless the plaintiff wins their case and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal funding company will carefully examine the details of a client's situation before approving an application for financial assistance. They will also review the medical records, and other documents provided by a person to determine if the applicant is an ideal candidate for the loan for a lawsuit or settlement advances.