Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers handle large amounts of freight, including food, coal, vehicles, lumber and metal ore. Unfortunately, this demanding occupation often comes with significant health risks.
For example, 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 extensively used in all sorts of construction materials. all caused by railroad how to get a settlement was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Railroads were heavy users of asbestos for its insulation properties, especially in the cabs for crews on locomotives. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including cancer.
Regular exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. This kind of cancer is caused by the inhalation of asbestos-containing particles and it can take anywhere from 10 to 70 years for symptoms like breathlessness or coughing up blood to appear.
Inhalation can increase the risk of developing laryngeal carcinoma. The cancer can grow in the larynx or pharynx, both of which play a role in digestion and speech. A diagnosis of laryngeal cancer could have a variety of effects on the life of a patient.
If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer that you believe is connected to your work as a railroad worker an experienced workers' compensation lawyer should be immediately contacted. A knowledgeable attorney can help you receive the financial compensation 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 verdicts and settlements in cases involving cancer of the railroad that included diesel exhaust, solvents 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 being carcinogenic to humans. This conclusion was result of research that linked diesel fumes to lung cancers and lung diseases, as well as respiratory ailments and deaths. Research also indicates that diesel exhaust may adversely affect the ecological system, based on fuel type and the operation of the engine as well as emission control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of various types of lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma. Smoking can exacerbate these problems and increase the risk of lung carcinoma among those 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 the lung.
Diesel exhaust particles are tiny enough to attract other toxic gases and chemical substances, increasing the toxicity. These include formaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene. They also include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Chronic exposure to these chemicals can cause throat cancer (also known as laryngeal tumor). all caused by railroad how to get a settlement is a second toxic chemical found in diesel fumes. It is classified as a potential carcinogen for human beings and can cause liver damage and cancer. In addition to impacting the health of railroad workers diesel emissions also contribute to the production of ground-level ozone and acid rain, which adversely impacts the vegetation and damages food sources for humans.
Other Chemicals that are Toxic
For many years, railroad workers have been exposed to many toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these substances can lead to a variety of debilitating diseases and ailments. Throat cancer is one of these illnesses that has been linked to exposure to chemicals at work. If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer that may be the result of your job on the railroad, it's important to speak with an FELA lawyer regarding making a claim.
There are many other harmful substances in addition to asbestos and diesel exhaust that can cause throat cancer. colon cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, including creosote as well as lead. These chemicals are commonly used on railroad ties and can increase the risk of developing throat cancer. These chemicals are also found in coal and wood dust used on railroads.
Benzene, too, is a known carcinogen. It is a poison that can be inhaled, or eaten and has been proven to cause a variety of cancer. The compound can be found in fuel oils, lubricants and other railroad products. Diesel exhaust may also contain benzene, which can increase the risk of acquiring throat cancer.
Other potential risk factors for a throat cancer include smoking and drinking. In addition, the human papilloma virus (HPV) can also contribute to this kind of cancer. HPV spreads through oral sexual contact and is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancer that is responsible for 70% of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer of the throat due to years of exposure can make a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA attorney can help a client prove their health problems were caused by occupational exposure to toxic chemicals such as 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 bills during this period. In some cases the mounting costs can be enough to make a person cannot work and cannot afford basic needs.
In these instances, a pre-settlement financing company can offer legal funds to help an individual keep their finances in check. This type of financial aid is also called a settlement loan, or lawsuit cash advance, but it should not be confused with the traditional loan since the repayment process isn't required until the plaintiff wins and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal funding company will carefully review the facts of a person prior to approving an application for financial assistance. They will also look at medical records, and other documentation provided by a person in order to determine if the person is a suitable candidate for a lawsuit loan or settlement advances.