Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers are responsible for handling large amounts of freight, including fuel, coal, vehicles as well as metal ore and lumber. Unfortunately, this demanding occupation is often associated with serious health risks.
For instance, a former locomotive engineer recently filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. alleging that he suffered from throat cancer and chronic lung diseases because of his long-term exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used extensively in a variety of construction materials. It was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Asbestos was frequently employed by railroads due to its insulation properties. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including cancer.
People exposed to asbestos on frequently have a greater risk of developing cancers like mesothelioma. This kind of cancer is caused by the inhalation of asbestos-containing particles and it typically takes between 10 to 70 years for signs such as shortness of breath or bleeding from the chest to show.
The inhalation of asbestos particles increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer. The cancer can develop in the pharynx or larynx, both of which play a role in speech and digestion. A laryngeal carcinoma diagnosis can result in a variety of adverse consequences on a person's life.
You must contact a compensation attorney right away if you've been diagnosed with throat cancer, and believe it is due to the work you did as a railroad employee. A skilled attorney can help you get 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 railroad cancer cases that involved diesel exhaust, solvents and other toxic substances in the workplace.
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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 in response to research that linked diesel fumes with lung diseases and cancer, in addition to respiratory diseases and deaths. Studies show 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.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of several types of lung diseases, including COPD and asthma. Smoking is a major contributor to these issues and is believed to increase the risk of developing lung cancer among workers exposed to diesel fumes. The small particle size of diesel exhaust that is less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is 70 microns), allows it to carry cancer-causing chemicals deep into lungs.
Diesel exhaust particles are so small that they attract other toxic gases and substances, thereby increasing the toxicity. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde and benzene, as well as 1,3-butadiene. Exposure to these chemicals over time could cause throat cancer, which is called laryngeal carcinoma. Vinyl chloride is a second toxic chemical that is found in diesel fumes. It is categorized as a potential carcinogen for humans and is known to cause cancer and liver damage. Diesel emissions can also affect the health of employees working for railroads. They cause acid rain and ground-level ozone, which can be harmful to plants as well as human food sources.
Other Chemicals that are Toxic
Railroad workers have been exposed for many years to toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these chemicals can trigger a range of debilitating diseases and ailments. Workplace exposure to chemicals has been linked with throat cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the throat, which could be caused by the work you performed on a railroad it is crucial to speak with an FELA attorney about making an action.
There are other harmful substances other than asbestos and diesel exhaust that can cause throat carcinoma. Creosote, lead, and degreasing solvents are all known to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are often used on railroad ties and can increase the risk of developing throat cancer. These chemicals are also found in the coal and wood dust that is burned on the railroads.
Benzene, too, is a known carcinogen. It is a poison that can be inhaled, or eaten and is known to cause a variety of cancer. This chemical is commonly found in lubricants, fuel oils and other railroad products. Benzene can also be inhaled through diesel exhaust, which can increase your risk of throat cancer.
Smoking and drinking are also causes of throat cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) also is a risk factor for this type of cancer. HPV spreads through aml caused by railroad how to get a settlement and is a significant cause of oropharyngeal cancer which accounts for 70% of cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker diagnosed with throat cancer due to years of exposure to chemicals can bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer can help clients prove that their health problems result from exposure to harmful substances, such as creosote.
bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement can take months or even years to settle and it's likely that the victim will have to pay thousands of dollars in medical expenses during this period. In some cases the mounting costs can be so overwhelming that the person cannot work and cannot afford basic needs.
In situations like this the pre-settlement fund company can provide legal funding to help an individual maintain their finances. This kind of financial aid is sometimes known as a settlement advance or lawsuit cash advance, but it shouldn't be confused with the traditional loan since the repayment process isn't required until the plaintiff wins the case and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal financing company will carefully examine the details of a person's case before they approve an application for financial assistance. They will also consider the medical records, and other documents submitted by a person in order to determine if the applicant is a suitable candidate for the loan for a lawsuit or settlement advances.