Railroad Settlement For Emphysema
Railroad workers suffer from emphysema as a result of years of exposure to dust, toxic fumes and gases. Our FELA law firm aids workers in filing occupational illness claims.
Emphysema patients typically rely on the compensation of a railroad settlement to pay for the hospital, surgical and therapeutic expenses associated with their condition. Different types of inhaled particulates can cause the condition, such as silica sand, diesel exhaust and asbestos.
Silica Sand
Silica is a naturally occurring substance that is found in the earth as tiny grains. It is made of silicon dioxide (SiO2) It has an unique crystal lattice structure which gives it its hardness and other properties. It is used in construction.
Inhaling silica dust could cause silicosis. This is an occupational lung disease that can lead to the death of the lung. It occurs when tiny particles of crystallized silica enter the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, fibrosis begins to form around the silica particles, and the lungs are permanently scarred. railroad injury settlement amounts can lead to lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis.
Railroad workers can be exposed to crystalline silica in many different ways, such as drilling or hammering rock with silica; blasting with abrasive particles; or working using masonry and concrete. Other sources of crystalline silica include rice hulls and sand and other plant tissues containing silica and certain types paints.
The tiniest pieces of silica can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they cause serious damage. Railroads must safeguard their employees from silica by restricting the time they spend in locations with significant dust from the air. Railroads should also be sure that they provide sand-free shoes and mouthpieces to employees who are using equipment that creates airborne sand. Moreover, trains should be equipped with filters to prevent sand from being dispersed into the cabin.
railroad injury settlement amounts
If you imagine welding, it is likely that you see an experienced welder, surrounded by sparkling sparks and elegant curled fume. The romantic picture quickly fades when you consider the effects of these fumes on the health of workers.
Welding fume is a toxic mixture of metal particles chemicals and gases. This mixture of elements can affect the health of welders over short and long exposures. The exact composition of welding fumes is contingent on several factors, including the nature and coatings of the metal being welded as well as the shielding gases used.
No matter the composition of welding fumes, a typical result for the welder is metal fume fever. This is often characterized by flu-like symptoms like fatigue, chills and pain. The symptoms can also include a metallic taste in the mouth and general feeling of being unwell.
The exposure to welding fumes may be reduced by a variety of controls, including local exhaust ventilators (LEV) as well as respiratory protection equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. However it is important to note that these measures should be considered as a last resort measure. If welding fumes cannot be prevented by these methods then a COSHH assessment should be conducted to determine the most appropriate controls. This is done by estimating the level of exposure and determining the steps required to reduce it should prevention not be feasible.
Diesel Exhaust
In recent time, there has been a push to use "cleaner" diesel engines for vehicles and trucks. However, those who work in the fields of agriculture, construction and other industries that rely on large equipment that burns diesel fuel are still exposed to this harmful fume. These fumes contain hundreds of harmful chemicals that could have a damaging effect on the lungs, skin and internal organs.
Railroad employees who operate trains are typically exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines from locomotives as they drive through the tracks or in the engine cab. In addition, shop employees who must remain inside the locomotive when it is in the shops could also be exposed to the toxic fumes.
The diesel exhaust generated by diesel engines consists of unburned fuel as well as numerous toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate (soot) as well as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Inhaling high levels of these pollutants could lead to respiratory symptoms like coughing and irritation in the throat and nose, and shortness of breathe. It could also cause an accumulation in the lung.
Studies on diesel exhaust have revealed that it may also increase the risk of lung cancer among humans. This has prompted the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) to declare diesel exhaust carcinogenic to humans.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a hazard which was once used in the railroad industry. It was tough and resistant to corrosion. It was also an excellent insulation. union pacific settlements was also affordable to manufacture and easy install in rail automobiles. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer as well as many other diseases. The mesothelioma experts at Simmons Hanly Conroy understand the effects of asbestos exposure on the life of railroad workers and their health. We help railroad workers who have been injured and file FELA suits to receive financial compensation for their illnesses.
Research has shown that railroad workers are at an increased risk of contracting mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses than the general workforce. This is particularly true for those who have been employed prior to the 1950s when trains began to run using diesel engines instead of steam. These workers of the past may have been exposed to asbestos when they were building, repairing or sanding rail cars, ties, and locomotives constructed from asbestos. The material is deadly.
Because asbestos-related cancers and mesothelioma have a long period of dormancy that many railroad workers didn't realize they had an illness until decades after their exposure. If you have a respiratory condition like COPD, lung cancer or mesothelioma related to your previous work on the railroad, it's essential to consult a skilled mesothelioma lawyer right away.