How to Get a Settlement For Asthma Caused by Railroad Negligence
Railroad workers, including brakemen, switchmen, engineers and conductors are frequently exposed themselves to diesel fumes. These fumes are carcinogenic and irritate the lungs.
Railroad companies may be held accountable for this damage due to ineffective workplace safety practices. Get a knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer if you have been diagnosed with asthma or another lung disease after prolonged exposure.
Asbestos
Asbestos is comprised of six minerals that naturally occur in groups. These minerals are interwoven to create flexible, tough materials that can withstand fire and chemicals. Asbestos is utilized in a diverse range of products like pipes, insulation, and ships.
When asbestos is breathed in, the tiny fibers could get lodged in the lungs. These fibers can cause irritation to the lungs and even scarring. This is known as asbestosis. The condition is characterized by a persistent cough and breathlessness. Asbestosis can easily be diagnosed by a chest X-ray. This condition could be fatal if it is not treated.
Eventually, the fibers can also cause cancerous tumors in the lungs. Malignant pleural melanomas are one such tumor. This rare lung cancer develops after prolonged exposure to asbestos. It can take as long as 50 years for the cancerous cells to develop symptoms.
Workers who are exposed to diesel exhaust along with other workplace toxins such silica, asbestos, and solvents, can develop asthma or other health problems. They may be unable to work and may need medical treatment to live a normal life. These health issues can decrease the lifetime earnings of a worker as high as 30% to 40 percent. They may be eligible for compensation under the FELA. Our attorneys can help the worker determine if he or she has a claim.
Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a complicated mixture of vapors, gases and particulate compounds. copd caused by railroad how to get a settlement is made up of carbon monoxide carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, sulfur oxides and hydrocarbons, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is the particulate fraction that contains diesel exhaust fumes. It also includes silicates, metallic abrasion materials, and sulfur compounds. Some DPM is respirable and enters deeply into the lung. This is the most commonly used type of diesel exhaust that can cause asthma among humans.
Diesel engines both locomotive and marine, are a major pollutant to the air in many areas. They aid in the formation of ground-level ozone, which damages crops, kills tree and causes respiratory problems. Diesel emissions also contribute to acid rain which erodes soil, lakes and contaminates drinking water as well as water and food sources.
Railroad workers who develop occupational asthma as a result of exposure to diesel fumes can file a claim for compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. An experienced attorney can help.
Inability to Protect Employees
Many railroad workers have to be in close proximity to diesel exhaust while performing their jobs. The fumes can cause breathing conditions like asthma and pulmonary disease.
Railroad companies are responsible for ensuring their employees are protected from workplace hazards which can cause occupational illnesses and injuries. This includes ensuring that the cabs in locomotives have adequate ventilation to stop harmful fumes from entering. If a railroad employee suffers from asthma as a result of employer negligence, he or she may be eligible to sue and claim damages under FELA.
The FELA law allows railroad employees who are ill or injured to claim compensation for medical expenses as well as lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and other damages that are a result of their illnesses. A knowledgeable railroad cancer lawyer can assist you in determining if your case is eligible.
Our firm has dealt with FELA cases which involved asbestos, silica sand and other harmful chemicals like industrial soaps, solvents, and silica sand. The railroad cancer cases listed below are examples of a variety of cases that have resulted in different settlements and verdicts.
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Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause many occupational illnesses, including asthma and pulmonary disorders. These illnesses can make it difficult for workers to find work. They might also have to undergo retraining, or even retire in the case of a severe condition. Railroad companies are required to safeguard their employees from dangers such as these, and could be held accountable for failing to perform this. A railroad asthma attorney could help workers receive compensation for injuries or illnesses caused by their employer's negligence. Contact a lawyer now to find out more about the case.
Do you have concerns or questions regarding your health issues related to work?