Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers handle large amounts of freight, including coal, food as well as metal ore and lumber. Unfortunately, this demanding job is often associated with serious health risks.
lung cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement retired locomotive engineer, for example recently filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. claiming that he suffered from chronic lung disease and throat cancer due to his long-term exposure diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally was once widely used for all types of 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 cabs of crews on locomotives. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer.
Regular asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing cancers like mesothelioma. Inhalation of asbestos particles can cause this kind of cancer. It usually takes between 10 to 70 years before symptoms like shortness of breathe or a bloody cough are evident.
Inhaling asbestos particles increases the chance of developing laryngeal cancer. Cancer may develop in either the larynx (which is involved in digestion and speech) or the pharynx. Laryngeal cancer can impact the quality of life for a person in many ways.
It is recommended to contact a worker' compensation attorney immediately if you are diagnosed with throat cancer and believe it is linked to the job you did as a railroad worker. A knowledgeable attorney could help you obtain the financial benefits you deserve under FELA. Hughes Law Offices compiled a list of recent verdicts, settlements and cases of railroad cancer that involve solvents, diesel exhaust, and other toxic substances in the workplace to give you a better idea of what you can expect.
Diesel Exhaust
In 2012 the International Agency for Research on Cancer -- a part of the World Health Organization -- classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans. This conclusion was based on studies that related exposure to diesel fumes and particles to lung cancer and lung disease as well as respiratory ailments and death. Research also indicates that diesel exhaust may negatively impact the ecological system, based on fuel type, engine operation and emissions control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of a variety of lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma. Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing these conditions and is known to increase the risk of developing lung cancer among workers exposed to diesel fumes. The small size of diesel exhaust which is less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is 70 microns) permits it to carry the cancer-causing chemicals deep into the 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. Exposure to these chemicals over time may cause throat cancer (also known as laryngeal carcinoma). Vinyl chloride is yet another harmful chemical found in diesel fumes. It is categorized as a possible carcinogen in humans, and may cause cancer and liver damage. Diesel emissions can also impact the health of railroad workers. They contribute to acid rain and ground-level Ozone, which can harm vegetation and human food supplies.
Other Chemicals Toxic
For many years, railroad workers have been exposed to numerous toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these substances can trigger a range of debilitating illnesses and diseases. Throat cancer is one of these diseases that has been linked to chemical exposure in the workplace. If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the throat, that could have been caused by the work you did on a railroad it is vital to consult an FELA attorney regarding filing a claim.
Aside from asbestos and diesel exhaust there are a myriad of other harmful substances that can cause cancer of the throat. Creosote, lead, and cleaning solvents are all thought to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are often used on railroad ties and they could increase the risk of developing throat cancer. These chemicals are also present in coal and wood dust that is burned on railroads.
Benzene is a known carcinogen. It can be inhaled or consumed and is known to cause a variety of cancer. This chemical is commonly found in fuel oils, lubricants and other railroad products. Inhaling Benzene is also possible through diesel exhaust, which can increase the risk of developing throat cancer.
Other risks for developing throat cancer include drinking and smoking. Additionally, the human papilloma virus (HPV) could also contribute to this type of cancer. HPV is spread through oral sex, and it is a major contributor to oropharyngeal cancer, which accounts for 70 percent of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer of the throat resulting from years of exposure to dangerous chemicals could file a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer could help the client prove that their health problems are a result of exposure to toxic substances such as creosote.
It could take months, or even years, to resolve a lawsuit. In this time, the victim could be hit with thousands of dollars in medical expenses. In some instances, the mounting bills can be so overwhelming that a person is unable to work and cannot afford basic needs.
In these situations an organization that offers pre-settlement funding can provide legal funds to help an individual keep their finances in order. This type of financial aid is also known as a settlement loan or lawsuit cash advance, but it should not be confused with traditional loans since the repayment process isn't required until the plaintiff is successful and receives settlement.
A reputable legal financing firm will carefully examine a person's facts before the decision to approve an application for financial aid. They also take into account the medical records and other evidence that a person submits in order to determine if they are a good candidate for an attorney loan or settlement advance.