Railroad Settlement For Emphysema
Railroad workers suffer from emphysema due to years of exposure to dust, toxic fumes and gases. Our FELA firm assists them with filing occupational disease claims.
Emphysema patients rely a lot on the compensation they receive from railroad settlements to cover the cost of hospitalization, surgery and other costs associated with the condition. This lung disease can be caused by a range of inhaled particles, such as diesel exhaust, silica sand, and asbestos.
Silica Sand
Silica is found in Earth's crust in tiny granules. It is made of silicon dioxide (SiO2), which has an unique crystal lattice structure that provides it with its hardness and other properties. It is frequently used in the construction industry.
Inhaling silica dust that is free can cause silicosis, an occupational lung disease that leads to the death of the lung. Small particles of silicon enter the lungs, and cause inflammation and scarring. As time passes, fibrosis develops around the silica particles, and the lungs are permanently scarred. This makes breathing difficult and can lead to emphysema, bronchitis, tuberculosis or lung cancer.
Railroad workers can be exposed to crystalline silica in many different ways, such as drilling or hammering rocks that is silica-rich; blasting with abrasive; and working with masonry and concrete materials. Other sources include rice hulls, sand and other plant tissues that contain silica, and certain paints.
railroad back injury settlements of silica can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they cause severe damage. Railroads need to protect their employees from silica by limiting the time they spend in locations with significant dust from the air. Railroads should also provide sandless footwear and mouthpieces for workers who are using equipment that creates sand from the air. Furthermore, trains should be equipped with filters that stop the sand from getting into the cab.
Welding Fumes
When you think of welding it is likely that you see a hardworking welder surrounded with sparkling sparks and elegant curled fume. When you consider the effects of these fumes, this romantic image is quickly shattered.
Welding fumes are toxic mixture of gases, metal particles, and chemicals. This mix of elements impacts the health of a welder over both long and short exposures. railroad injury settlement amounts of welding fumes depends on a variety of factors, such as the nature and coatings of the metal being welded, as well as the shielding gases used.
Metal fume fever is an atypical sign of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu like symptoms like fatigue, chills and aches. The symptoms can also include a metallic taste in the mouth, as well as general feeling of being unwell.
The exposure to welding fumes can be reduced with a variety of control measures such as local exhaust ventilators (LEV) as well as respiratory protection equipment and mechanical general ventilation. It is important to remember that these measures are only to be used as a last resort. Where welding fume levels cannot be controlled by these methods then an COSHH assessment must be conducted to determine the most appropriate control. This includes estimating exposure and considering the steps that need to be taken to limit it if prevention is not reasonably practicable.
Diesel Exhaust
In recent years, there has been a trend to use "cleaner" diesel engines for vehicles and trucks. However, those who work in the fields of agriculture, construction and other sectors that require large equipment that burns diesel fuel are still exposed fume. These fumes contain hundreds of harmful chemicals which can cause harm to the skin, lungs and internal organs.
Diesel exhaust fumes are often inhaled by railroad workers who drive trains. In addition, railroad shop employees who are required to remain inside the locomotive when it is in the shop may also be exposed to these harmful fumes.
The diesel exhaust released from diesel engines is made up of unburned fuel, as well as many toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate matter (soot), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides volatile organic compounds, and hydrocarbons. Breathing high concentrations of these pollutants can trigger respiratory symptoms such as coughing, irritation of the throat and nose and shortness of breath. It can also lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
Studies have proven that diesel exhaust can also increase the risk for lung cancer in humans. Multiple myeloma settlements for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to human beings.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a hazard that was once commonly used in the railroad industry. It was strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion and an excellent insulator. It was also inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install in rail automobiles. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer and many other illnesses. union pacific settlements at Simmons Hanly Conroy understand the consequences of asbestos exposure to a railroad worker's life and health. We help injured railroad workers file FELA lawsuits to receive financial compensation for their diseases and injuries.
Railroad employees are at greater risk of mesothelioma or asbestos-related diseases, and various other diseases than the rest of the workforce. This is particularly relevant to those who worked before 1950, when trains switched from steam engines to diesel. The older workers might have been exposed if they built, repaired or sanded rail cars tracks, and locomotives made of this dangerous material.
Because asbestos-related cancers and mesothelioma have a long time of dormancy, many injured railroad workers didn't realize they had an illness until decades after their exposure. If you are suffering from a respiratory disorder like COPD lung carcinoma, COPD or mesothelioma connected to your railroad work it is essential to consult an attorney for mesothelioma immediately.