Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers manage large amounts of freight, which includes coal, food, vehicles wood and metal ore. Unfortunately, this work often comes with serious dangers of illness and disease.
For instance, a former locomotive engineer recently filed an action against CSX Transportation Inc. alleging that he was suffering from throat cancer and chronic lung diseases because of his exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once widely used for construction materials. It was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Railroads were heavy users of asbestos for their insulation properties, particularly in the cabs of crews on locomotives. Asbestos fibers inhalation can cause serious health issues, including cancer.
People who are exposed to asbestos on frequently have higher risk of developing cancers like mesothelioma. This kind of cancer is caused by the inhalation of asbestos particles, and it generally takes 10 to 70 years for signs like breathlessness or coughing up blood to appear.
Inhalation can increase the risk of laryngeal carcinoma. Cancer may develop in either the larynx (which is involved in speech and digestion) or the pharynx. Laryngeal cancer can result in a variety of adverse consequences on a person's life.
If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer that you believe is connected to your work as a railroad employee, an experienced workers' compensation lawyer should be contacted immediately. An experienced lawyer can help you receive the financial benefits you are entitled to under FELA. bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement compiled a list of recent settlements, verdicts, and railroad cancer cases involving solvents, diesel exhaust, and other toxic substances in the workplace to give you a better idea of what is expected.
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 based on studies that connected exposure to diesel fumes and particles to lung disease and cancer, including respiratory illnesses and even death. Research also indicates that diesel exhaust can negatively impact the ecological system, based on the type of fuel and the operation of the engine as well as emission control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the chance of developing various kinds of lung issues, including COPD and asthma. Smoking is a major contributor to these issues and is believed to increase the risk of developing lung cancer in workers who are exposed to diesel fumes. The small size of diesel exhaust, that is less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is 70 microns) permits it to carry cancer-causing chemical deep into the lung.
Diesel exhaust particles are so small that they attract other toxic gases and chemical substances, increasing the toxicity. These substances include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and formaldehyde. The long-term exposure to these chemicals could cause throat cancer (also known as laryngeal tumor). Vinyl chloride is a different toxic chemical that is found in diesel fumes. It is classified as a possible carcinogen for humans and can cause cancer and liver damage. Diesel emissions can also affect the health of railroad workers. They cause acid rain and ground-level oxygen, which can be harmful to the environment and human food sources.
Other Toxic Chemicals
Railroad workers have been exposed for a long time to harmful chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these substances can cause a range of debilitating diseases and illnesses. Exposure to chemicals in the workplace has been linked with throat cancer. If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer that could be a result of your work on a railroad, it is crucial to speak with a FELA lawyer about making a claim.
There are other harmful substances besides asbestos and diesel exhaust that can cause throat cancer. All of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, including creosote as well as lead. These chemicals are often used on railroad ties and can increase your risk of getting throat cancer. These chemicals can also be found in the wood dust and coal that is burned on railroads.
Benzene is another well-known carcinogen. It is a poison that can be inhaled, or eaten and is known to cause various types of cancer. The compound can be found in fuel oils, lubricants and other railroad products. Inhaling Benzene is also possible through diesel exhaust, which could increase the risk of getting throat cancer.
Drinking and smoking are also risk factors for developing throat cancer. In addition the human papilloma virus (HPV) could also contribute to this type of cancer. HPV is transmitted through oral sex, and it is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancer that accounts for 70 percent of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker who was diagnosed with throat cancer caused by years of exposure to hazardous chemicals may file a suit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer could assist a client show that their health problems are a result of exposure to toxic substances like creosote.
A lawsuit could take months or even years to resolve and it's possible that the victim will be liable for thousands of dollars in medical bills during this time. In some instances the victim may be overwhelmed by the escalating bills that they're unable continue working and cannot pay for the basic necessities.
In these instances, a pre-settlement finance company can offer legal funds to help a person to keep their finances in order. This type of financial aid can be known as a settlement loan or lawsuit cash advance, but it is not to 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 finance company will carefully examine the details of a client's case before they approve an application for financial assistance. They will also look at medical records, and other documentation provided by the person to determine if the applicant is an ideal candidate for a settlement loan or a lawsuit loan advances.