Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers handle large amounts of freight, including food, coal, vehicles, lumber and metal ore. Unfortunately, this demanding job often comes with severe health risks.
For instance, a retired locomotive engineer recently filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. alleging that he suffered from throat cancer and chronic lung disease as a result of exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, 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 the biggest asbestos users due to its insulation properties, especially in the cabs of crews on locomotives. However, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illness and cancer.
The people who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis have higher risk of developing cancers, such as mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos particles can cause this kind of cancer. It typically takes between 10 and 70 years to show signs such as breathlessness or bloody cough appear.
Inhalation can increase the risk of laryngeal carcinoma. The cancer may develop in the pharynx and larynx both of which play a role in speech and digestion. Laryngeal cancer can affect the quality of life for a person in many ways.
If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer which you believe is connected to your work as a railroad worker and you suspect that it is related to your job, a skilled workers' compensation lawyer must be immediately contacted. bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement can assist you get the financial compensation that you deserve under FELA. To give you an idea of what you can expect, Hughes Law Offices has compiled some examples of recent settlements and verdicts in cancer cases involving railroads 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 result of research that linked diesel fumes with lung diseases and cancer, as well as respiratory illnesses 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 system.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the chance of developing various kinds of lung problems, including COPD and asthma. Smoking can exacerbate these problems and increase the risk of lung cancer when 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.
Diesel exhaust particles are tiny enough to attract other toxic gases and chemical substances, increasing the toxicity. These include formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene and 1,3-butadiene. Chronic exposure to these chemicals could cause throat cancer (also known as laryngeal cancer). Vinyl chloride is a second toxic chemical found in diesel fumes. It is categorized as a possible carcinogen in humans 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 negatively impacts the environment and human food sources.
Other Chemicals Toxic
For many years, railroad workers have been exposed to many toxic chemicals. Researchers have found that these chemicals can cause many chronic illnesses and diseases. Workplace exposure to chemicals has been linked to throat cancer. If you were diagnosed with cancer of the throat that could be a result of the work you do on a railroad, it is essential to speak with a FELA lawyer about filing a claim.
Apart from asbestos and diesel exhaust There are a variety of other harmful substances that could cause throat cancer. Creosote and lead, as well as cleaning solvents are all thought to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are used extensively on railroad ties, and they can increase the risk of developing throat cancer. These chemicals can also be found in wood dust and coal that is burned on railroads.
Benzene is a different known carcinogen. It can be inhaled or consumed and has been proven to cause various types of cancer. The compound can be found in fuel oils, lubricants and other railroad products. Diesel exhaust can 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) could also contribute to this kind of cancer. HPV is transmitted through oral sex, and it is a major contributor to oropharyngeal carcinoma, which accounts 70% of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker diagnosed with throat cancer due to years of exposure could file a suit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer could help a client show that their health problems are the result of exposure to toxic substances like creosote.
A lawsuit can take months or even years to resolve, and it's likely that a victim will face thousands of dollars in medical expenses during this period. In some instances, the mounting bills can be so overwhelming that a person cannot work and cannot afford basic needs.
In these instances, a pre-settlement finance company can provide legal funds to assist a person to keep their finances in order. This kind of financial aid can be known as a settlement loan or lawsuit cash advance, but it should not be confused with conventional loans because it is not required to repay until the plaintiff wins and receives settlement.
A reputable legal funding company will carefully analyze the details of a person's case before they approve an application for financial assistance. They also take into consideration medical records and other documents submitted by a person in order to determine if that person is a good candidate for either a settlement loan or a lawsuit loan advances.