Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers handle large amounts of freight, which includes coal, food as well as metal ore and lumber. Unfortunately, this demanding occupation often comes with serious health risks.
For instance, a retired locomotive engineer recently filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. alleging that he was suffering from throat cancer and chronic lung disease because of his exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was once extensively 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 frequent asbestos users because of their insulating properties, specifically in the cabs for crews on locomotives. As a result, inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious illness and cancer.
People who are exposed regularly to asbestos regularly have a greater risk of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos particles can cause this kind of cancer. It can take between 10 and 70 years before the first signs such as a shortness of breath or a bloody cough are evident.
Inhalation can increase the risk of laryngeal carcinoma. The cancer may develop in the larynx or pharynx, both of which are involved in speech and digestion. A diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma can affect a person's quality of life in many ways.
You must contact a compensation lawyer as soon as you are diagnosed with throat cancer, and believe it is linked to the job you had as a railroad worker. An experienced lawyer can assist you in obtaining the financial compensation you are entitled to under FELA. To give you an idea of what you can expect, Hughes Law Offices has collected a list of recent settlements and verdicts in cancer cases involving railroads that included solvents, diesel exhaust and other workplace toxins.
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 decision was based upon studies that found a link between exposure to diesel fumes and particles with lung cancer and lung disease as well as respiratory ailments and even death. The research suggests that diesel exhaust can adversely affect the eco-system depending on the fuel type and the operation of the engine as well as emissions control system.
pulmonary fibrosis caused by railroad how to get a settlement to diesel exhaust may increase the chance of developing various kinds of lung issues, including COPD and asthma. Smoking can make these conditions worse and increase the risk of lung cancer for those who are exposed to diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust particles are smaller than 2.5 microns in size (a human hair is 70 microns). This allows them to carry cancer-causing chemicals into lung.
The tiny size of diesel exhaust draws other toxic chemicals and gases that further increase the toxicity. These chemicals include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, benzene and 1,3-butadiene. The long-term exposure to these chemicals may cause throat cancer (also known as laryngeal carcinoma). Vinyl chloride is another toxic chemical found in diesel fumes. It is categorized as a possible carcinogen for humans and can 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 affects vegetation and harms the food supply of humans.
Other Chemicals Toxic
Railroad workers have been exposed for a long time to toxic chemicals. colon cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement have found that these chemicals can cause various serious illnesses and ailments. Chemical exposure in the workplace has been linked with throat cancer. If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer, which could have been caused by your work on a railroad, it is important to consult with a FELA lawyer about making an action.
Aside from asbestos and diesel exhaust there are a myriad of other toxic substances which can cause throat cancer. All of these substances are known to cause cancer, including creosote as well as lead. These chemicals are used in railroad ties and increase the risk of throat cancer. These chemicals can also be found in the wood dust and coal that is burned on railroads.
Benzene, too, is a well-known carcinogen. It is a poison that can be inhaled, or eaten and has been proven to cause a variety of cancer. This compound is found in lubricants, fuel oils and other railroad products. Diesel exhaust also contains benzene. This compound can increase the risk of throat cancer.
Drinking and smoking are both causes of throat cancer. In addition, the human papilloma virus (HPV) can contribute to this type of cancer. HPV spreads through oral sex and is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancer, which accounts for 70% of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railway worker who has been diagnosed with throat cancer caused by years of exposure chemicals may file a suit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer could help clients prove that their health issues are the result of exposure to harmful substances, such as creosote.
A lawsuit can take months or even years to settle and it's probable that the victim will have to pay thousands of dollars in medical expenses during this period. In some cases people are overwhelmed by the growing bills that they're unable to keep working and can't pay for basic necessities.
In laryngeal cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement , a pre-settlement financing company can provide legal funding to help people to manage their finances. This kind of financial aid is sometimes called a settlement or lawsuit cash advance 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 funder will carefully examine the details of a person's case before approving an application for financial assistance. They will also consider the medical records and other information that a person has to provide to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for a settlement loan or a lawsuit advance.