Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers handle large amounts of freight, which includes coal, food, vehicles, lumber and metal ore. Unfortunately, this demanding job is often associated with serious health risks.
A retired locomotive engineer, for example 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 that was once widely used in all sorts 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 users of asbestos for its insulation properties, especially in the crew cabs of locomotives. As a result, inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious illness and cancer.
People who are exposed to asbestos on regularly have an increased risk of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement of cancer is caused by inhalation of asbestos particles, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 70 years for the first signs like shortness of breath or bloody coughing to develop.
Inhaling asbestos particles increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer. Cancer can occur in either larynx (which is involved in digestion and speech) or pharynx. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement of laryngeal cancer could result in a variety of adverse impacts on the person's life.
If you've been diagnosed with a throat cancer you believe is related to your job as a railroad worker, an experienced workers' compensation lawyer should be contacted immediately. A knowledgeable attorney can help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled under FELA. To give you an idea of what to expect, Hughes Law Offices has provided a selection of recent verdicts and settlements 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. This conclusion was based on research that linked diesel fumes with lung diseases and cancer, as well as respiratory ailments and deaths. The research suggests that diesel exhaust could negatively impact the eco-system depending on the type of fuel, engine operation, and emissions control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust increases the risk of COPD and asthma. Smoking cigarettes can worsen these issues and increase the risk of 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 into the lungs.
Diesel exhaust particles are so small that they attract other harmful gases and chemical substances, increasing the toxicity. These include formaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Chronic exposures to these chemicals could cause throat cancer and is known as laryngeal carcinoma. Vinyl chloride is a second 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 affecting the health of railroad workers Diesel emissions contribute to the production of ground-level ozone as well as acid rain, which negatively impacts the environment and the food supply of humans.
Other Chemicals that are Toxic
Railroad workers have been exposed for decades to harmful chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these substances can lead to a variety of debilitating diseases and illnesses. pancreatic cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement is just one of these illnesses that has been linked to exposure to chemicals at work. If you were diagnosed with cancer of the throat that could have been caused by your work on railways, it is important to consult with a FELA lawyer about making a claim.
In addition to asbestos and diesel exhaust there are a myriad of other toxic substances that can cause cancer of the throat. All of these substances are known to cause cancer, including creosote as well as lead. These chemicals are often used on railroad ties, and can increase the risk of a throat cancer. These chemicals are also found in the coal and wood dust that is burned on railroads.
Benzene is another well-known carcinogen. It is a substance that can be inhaled or absorbed and is known to cause various types of cancer. The compound is found in lubricants, fuel oil and other products that are used in the railroads. It can also be inhaled through diesel exhaust, which can increase your risk of developing throat cancer.
Other risks for developing throat cancer include drinking and smoking. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is another risk factor that, along with smoking and drinking, can contribute to this type of cancer. HPV is spread through oral sex, and is a major contributor to oropharyngeal carcinoma that accounts for 70 percent of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Funding
A railroad worker diagnosed with cancer of the throat due to years of exposure can make a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer could assist clients prove that their health problems result from exposure to toxic substances such as creosote.
A lawsuit can take months or even years to resolve, and it's likely that a victim will incur thousands of dollars in medical bills during this time. In some instances the victim may be overwhelmed by the growing bills that they're unable to work and cannot pay for the basic necessities.
In these cases the pre-settlement financing firm can offer legal funds to help an individual keep their finances in check. This kind of financial aid is sometimes called a settlement cash advance or lawsuit loan, but it should not be mistaken for a loan since there isn't any requirement to pay unless the plaintiff wins their case and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal financing company will carefully analyze the details of a client's situation before approving an application for financial assistance. They also consider the medical records and other documentation that a person submits in order to determine if they're suitable for an attorney loan or settlement advance.