Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers move a wide range of cargo including food, vehicles, wood, metal ore, and coal. Sadly, this demanding job often comes with serious dangers of illness and disease.
A retired locomotive engineer, like, recently filed a suit against CSX Transportation Inc. claiming that he suffered from chronic lung disease and throat cancer due to exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally was once extensively 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 users of asbestos for their insulating properties, especially in the crew cabs of locomotives. As a result, inhaling asbestos fibres is known to cause serious illness and even cancer.
Regular asbestos exposure increases the risk of cancers like mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos particles can cause this type of cancer. It typically takes between 10 and 70 years to show signs like shortness of breathe or a bloody cough are evident.
Inhaling asbestos particles increases a person's risk of developing laryngeal cancer. The cancer can grow in the pharynx and larynx both of which play a role in digestion and speech. Laryngeal cancer can cause a variety of negative effects on a person's life.
If you have been diagnosed with a throat cancer you believe is connected to your job as a railroad worker, an experienced workers' compensation lawyer should be immediately contacted. An experienced attorney can help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled under FELA. To give you an idea of what you can expect, Hughes Law Offices has provided a selection of recent verdicts and settlements in cases of cancer affecting railroad workers that involved solvents, diesel exhaust and other toxic substances in the workplace.
Diesel Exhaust
In 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) classified diesel exhaust as being carcinogenic to human beings. This conclusion was the result of research linking diesel fumes to lung cancer and lung diseases as well as respiratory illnesses and deaths. Studies show that diesel exhaust could negatively impact the eco-system dependent on the type of fuel and engine operation as well as the emissions control system.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of a variety of lung problems, including COPD and asthma. Smoking cigarettes can cause these issues and increase the risk of lung cancer when exposed to diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust particles are less than 2.5 microns in size (a human hair is 70 microns). This allows them to carry cancer-causing chemicals into lungs.
Diesel exhaust particles are so small that they attract other toxic gases and chemicals, increasing the toxicity. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde 1,3-butadiene, benzene and formaldehyde. Chronic exposures to these chemicals can cause cancer of the throat that is known as laryngeal carcinoma. Other toxic chemicals in diesel fumes are vinyl chloride, that has been classified as a possible human carcinogen and may 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 vegetation and damages food sources for humans.
Other Chemicals With Toxic Effects
Railroad workers have been exposed for years to toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these chemicals can lead to a variety of debilitating diseases and illnesses. Throat cancer is one of these diseases that has been linked to exposure to chemicals at work. If cll caused by railroad how to get a settlement have been diagnosed with cancer of the throat that could be a result of your employment on railways, it is important to consult with a FELA lawyer regarding filing a claim.
There are other toxic substances, besides asbestos and diesel exhaust that can cause throat carcinoma. All of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, including creosote and lead. These chemicals are commonly used on railroad ties, and can increase the risk of throat cancer. These chemicals are also present in wood dust and coal used on railroads.
Benzene is a different known carcinogen. It is a poison that can be inhaled, or eaten and is believed to cause various types of cancer. This compound is found in lubricants, fuel oils and other substances which are used on railroads. The Benzene compound can also be breathed in through diesel exhaust, which could increase the risk of developing throat cancer.
Other risk factors for developing throat cancer include drinking and smoking. Human papillomavirus (HPV) also, can contribute to this type of cancer. HPV spreads through oral sex and is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancer which accounts for 70% of all cases.
Pre-Settlement Financing
A railroad worker who has been diagnosed with throat cancer resulting from years of exposure could bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer could help the client prove that their health issues are a result of exposure to harmful substances, such as creosote.
It could take months, or even years to settle a lawsuit. During this time the victim is likely to incur thousands of dollars in medical expenses. In some instances, the mounting bills can be so overwhelming that a person is unable to work and is unable to pay for basic needs.
In these cases the pre-settlement financing firm can offer legal money to help someone maintain their finances. This type of financial aid can be known as a settlement loan or lawsuit cash advance, but it shouldn't be confused the traditional loan since repayment is not required until the plaintiff wins and receives settlement.
A reputable legal finance company will take a careful look at the details of a client's situation before approving an application for financial assistance. They also take into consideration medical records and other evidence provided by a person to determine if the applicant is suitable for an attorney loan or settlement advances.