The Three Greatest Moments In Railroad Settlement Mds History
Railroad Settlement For Emphysema
Emphysema is a result of years of exposure to toxic fumes and gases. Our FELA law firm assists those who suffer from occupational diseases in filing claims.
Emphysema patients usually rely on the compensation they receive from railroad settlements to pay for hospitalization, surgeries and other expenses associated with the 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) that has unique crystal structure that gives it its hardness and other characteristics. It is used in construction.
Inhaling silica dust that is free can cause silicosis, an occupational lung disease that causes the death of the lungs. Small pieces of silicon enter the lungs, and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, fibrosis forms around the silica particles and the lungs are permanently scarred. This could result in lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis.
Rail workers can be exposed in many ways to crystalline silicon, including by hammering and drilling silica-rich rocks, blasting abrasive, and working with concrete or other masonry materials. Other sources of crystalline silica include sand and rice hulls, as well as other plant tissues containing silica and certain types paints.
The tiniest particles of silica are breathed deep into the lungs and cause harm. In the end, railroads should make sure that employees are protected from exposure to silica which includes limiting time spent in areas that contain significant airborne sand. Railroads must also make sure to provide sandless footwear and mouthpieces for workers who use equipment that creates airborne sand. Additionally, stomach cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement must be equipped with filters that prevent sand from being dispersed into the cabin.
Welding Fumes
When you think of welding, you're likely to picture an experienced welder, who is surrounded by sparkling sparks and graceful curling fumes. The romantic image quickly evaporates when you consider the effects of these fumes on the health of workers.
Welding fume can be toxic because it is a mixture of metal particles, chemicals and gases. The mix of elements affects the health of welders over short and long exposures. The exact composition of welding fumes is dependent on a variety of factors, such as the type and coatings of metal being welded, as well as the shielding gases employed.
In spite of the composition of the welding fumes, a typical effect on the welder is metal fume fever, which is often characterized by flu-like symptoms like fatigue, chills and pain. The symptoms include an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth, as well as general feeling that you are not well.
Exposure to welding fume can be minimized by a variety of controls that include local exhaust ventilation (LEV), respiratory protective equipment and mechanical general ventilation. It is essential to keep in mind that these options should only be used as a last-resort. If welding fumes can't be prevented by these methods then an COSHH assessment should be conducted to identify the appropriate controls. This involves estimating the exposure and determining what steps are needed to limit it, when prevention is not an option.
Diesel Exhaust
In recent years there has been an increase in the use of "cleaner" engines for trucks and other vehicle types. However, those working in agriculture, construction and other sectors that require large machines that burn diesel fuel are still exposed to the dangerous fume. The fumes are a mixture of harmful chemicals that could have a damaging effect on the lungs, skin and internal organs.
Diesel exhaust fumes are typically inhaled by railroad workers driving trains. Additionally, railroad shop workers who have to remain in the locomotive while it is in the shops could also be exposed to these harmful fumes.
Diesel exhaust from diesel engines is made up of gasoline that is not burned, as well as toxic chemicals. These chemicals include particulate (soot) hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Breathing in high concentrations of these pollutants could cause respiratory problems like a snoring cough as well as irritation in the throat and nose, and shortness of breathe. It can also lead to an accumulation of toxins in the lungs.
Studies of diesel exhaust have revealed that it can increase the risk of developing lung cancer in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a hazardous material that was once commonly used in the railroad industry. It was tough, corrosion-resistant and a superb insulation. It was also inexpensive to make and simple to install in rail cars. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer and many other diseases. The mesothelioma lawyers of Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar of the effects asbestos exposure has on a railroader's health and life. We help injured railroad workers with filing FELA lawsuits to seek financial compensation for their illnesses and injuries.
Research has shown that railroad workers have an increased risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases than others in the workforce. This is particularly the case for those who been employed prior to the 1950s when trains began to run on diesel engines, instead of steam. These older workers could have been exposed when they constructed, repaired or sanded rail vehicles, railway ties, as well as locomotives made of this dangerous material.
Many railroad workers who were exposed to mesothelioma or asbestos didn't realize their condition until a long time afterward. If you suffer from a respiratory condition like COPD lung carcinoma, COPD, or mesothelioma that is linked to your railroad work it is essential that you seek out mesothelioma lawyers immediately.