Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad Work
Railroad workers transport large quantities of freight, which includes food, coal, vehicles as well as metal ore and lumber. Unfortunately, this demanding job often comes with serious health risks.
For example, a retired 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 exposure to diesel exhaust.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in a variety of construction materials. It was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Asbestos was heavily utilized by railroads for its insulation properties. Unfortunately, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illness and even cancer.
Regular exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing cancers such as mesothelioma. The inhalation of asbestos particles could cause this type of cancer. It can take between 10 and 70 years to show signs like a shortness of breath or bloody cough appear.
Inhalation increases the risk of developing laryngeal carcinoma. The cancer may develop in the pharynx or the larynx both of which play a role in speech and digestion. A laryngeal carcinoma diagnosis can be a source of many negative consequences on a person's life.
If you've been diagnosed with a throat cancer you believe is connected to your job as a railroad employee, an experienced workers' compensation lawyer should be contacted immediately. A knowledgeable attorney can help you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to under FELA. To give you an idea of what to expect, Hughes Law Offices has put together a list of recent settlements and verdicts in cases of cancer affecting railroad workers that involved diesel exhaust, solvents 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 carcinogenic to humans. This conclusion was in response to research that linked diesel fumes with lung cancer and lung diseases and respiratory illnesses and deaths. Research indicates that diesel exhaust could negatively impact the eco-system dependent on the type of fuel, engine operation, and the emissions control system.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can increase the risk of COPD and asthma. Smoking cigarettes can cause these issues and increase the risk of developing lung cancer when exposed to diesel fumes. The small particle size of diesel exhaust which is less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is 70 microns) allows it to carry cancer-causing chemicals deep into the lungs.
Diesel exhaust particles are tiny enough to attract other harmful gases and chemical substances, increasing the toxicity. These chemicals include formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene. They also include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure to these chemicals over time can cause throat cancer (also known as laryngeal carcinoma). Vinyl chloride is another toxic chemical that is found in diesel fumes. It is classified as a possible carcinogen in humans and is known to cause liver damage and cancer. In addition to impacting the health of railroad workers diesel emissions also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and acid rain that negatively affects vegetation and harms the food supply of humans.
Other Chemicals Toxic
Railroad workers have been exposed for years to toxic chemicals. Researchers have discovered that these chemicals can cause many debilitating illnesses and diseases. Exposure to chemicals in the workplace has been linked to throat cancer. If you've been diagnosed with throat cancer that may be due to your work on a railroad, it is important to speak with an FELA lawyer regarding filing a claim.
Apart from asbestos and diesel exhaust There are a host of other toxic substances that can cause throat cancer. Creosote (lead), lead, and solvents for degreasing are all considered to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are often used on railroad ties and they can increase the risk of throat cancer. These chemicals are also present in wood dust and coal that is burned on railroads.
Benzene is a known carcinogen. It can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed and is known to cause various types of cancer. This chemical is commonly found in fuel oils, lubricants and other railroad products. Diesel exhaust may also contain benzene, which may increase the risk of acquiring throat cancer.
Smoking and drinking are also causes of throat cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is another risk factor that, along with smoking and drinking is a risk factor for this type of cancer. HPV is transmitted through oral sexual contact and is a significant factor in oropharyngeal tumors, which accounts for 70% of all cases.
Pre- bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement Financing
A railroad worker who has been diagnosed with cancer of the throat due to years of exposure may bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA lawyer could assist a client show that their health problems result from exposure to toxic substances such as creosote.
It could take months or even years to settle a lawsuit. In this time, the victim will likely be liable for thousands of dollars in medical expenses. In some cases the victim may be overwhelmed by the escalating bills that they're unable to continue working and are unable to afford the essentials.
In cases like these in these situations, a pre-settlement finance firm can provide legal funds to help someone stay on top of their finances. This type of financial aid is sometimes called a lawsuit cash advance or settlement loan, but it is not to be confused with a loan since there is no repayment required unless the plaintiff is successful and receives a settlement.
A reputable legal finance company will carefully examine a person's facts before making a decision on whether to grant financial aid. They will also review the medical records, and other documentation provided by the applicant to determine if the person is an ideal candidate for a lawsuit loan or settlement advances.