Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers move a lot of cargo, including food vehicles, metal ore, wood, and coal. Sadly, this demanding job 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 suffered from throat cancer and chronic lung disease as a result of his long-term exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral was once widely used in all kinds of construction materials. It was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Asbestos was extensively used by railroads because of its insulating properties. Unfortunately, inhaling asbestos particles is known to cause serious illness and cancer.
bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement to asbestos increases the risk of cancers such as mesothelioma. This type of cancer is caused by the inhalation of asbestos-containing particles and it can take anywhere from 10 to 70 years for signs like shortness of breath or bloody coughing to develop.
Inhalation increases the risk of laryngeal carcinoma. Cancer can develop in either the larynx (which is involved in speech and digestion) or pharynx. A diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma can result in a variety of adverse impacts on the person's life.
If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer that you believe is connected to your work as a railroad worker an experienced workers' compensation lawyer should be contacted immediately. An experienced attorney can help you receive the financial benefits you are entitled to under FELA. Hughes Law Offices compiled a list of recent verdicts, settlements and cases of cancer in railroads involving solvents, diesel exhaust and other toxic substances in the workplace to give you a sense 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 carcinogenic to humans. This conclusion was the result of research linking diesel fumes to lung cancers and lung diseases, in addition to respiratory diseases and deaths. Studies also show that diesel exhaust could negatively impact the ecological system, based on the type of fuel used, engine operation and emissions control systems.
Exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of various types of lung conditions, such as COPD and asthma. Smoking cigarettes can worsen these issues and increase the risk of lung cancer among those exposed to diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust particles are smaller than 2.5 microns in size (a human hair is 70 microns). This enables them to transport cancer-causing chemicals into lungs.
Diesel exhaust particles are so small that they attract other toxic gases and chemicals, thereby increasing the toxicity. These include formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 1,3-butadiene, benzene and formaldehyde. Exposure to these chemicals over time could cause throat cancer (also called laryngeal carcinoma). Other harmful chemicals present in diesel fumes include vinyl chloride which has been categorized as a possible human carcinogen and may cause liver damage and cancer. Diesel emissions can also affect the health of employees working for railroads. They contribute to acid rain and ground-level ozone, which can be harmful to plants and human food supply.
Other Toxic Chemicals
Railroad workers have been exposed for years to toxic chemicals for decades. Researchers have found that these chemicals can cause numerous painful illnesses and diseases. Throat cancer is one of these diseases that has been linked to exposure to chemicals at work. If you've been diagnosed with cancer of the throat, that could have been caused by the work you did on a railroad, it is important that you consult an FELA attorney about making a claim.
Aside from asbestos and diesel exhaust, there are a number of other harmful substances that can cause cancer of the throat. Creosote, lead, and degreasing solvents are all believed to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are commonly used on railroad ties and they could increase the risk of developing throat cancer. These chemicals can also be found in wood dust and coal used in railroads.
Benzene is a well-known carcinogen. It can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed and is known to cause a variety of cancer. This chemical is found in fuel oil, lubricants and other products which are used on railroads. Diesel exhaust also contains benzene, which may increase the risk of throat cancer.
Drinking and smoking are also risk factors for developing throat cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV), as well, can contribute to this type cancer. HPV is transmitted through oral sexual contact and is a major contributing factor for oropharyngeal cancer, which is responsible for 70% of cases.
Pre-Settlement Funding
A railroad worker diagnosed with throat cancer as a result of years of exposure to chemicals can sue 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 such as creosote.
It could take months or even years, to settle a lawsuit. The victim could be hit with thousands of dollars worth of medical bills. 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 instances the pre-settlement financing firm can provide legal funds to help an individual maintain their finances. This kind of financial aid is sometimes referred to as a lawsuit cash advance or settlement loan, but it is not to be mistaken for a loan since there is no obligation to repay unless the plaintiff is successful and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal funding company will carefully scrutinize a person's facts before accepting an application for financial aid. They also take into account the medical records and other information that a person provides in order to determine if they are a good candidate for a lawsuit loan or settlement advance.