Emphysema Railroad Settlements

Railroad workers diagnosed with lung ailments such as emphysema could make claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Ken Danzinger, shareholder at Simmons Hanly Conroy can assist these men to obtain compensation for their past and future medical costs.

Emphysema can result from occupational exposure to coal dust, diesel exhaust welding fumes, silica and coal dust. A FELA claim could hold the responsible parties accountable.

Silica

Silica is a vital mineral found in the human body. It is found in the cartilage, tendons, bones and joints and in the blood and urine. It is also found in the lungs, and is used to aid breathing by certain medications. If workers are exposed, silica dust may cause the condition known as emphysema. Inhaling this dust could cause the lungs' swelling up. This condition can also cause the lungs to lose their ability to absorb oxygen. This can make breathing difficult.

Crystalline silica can be found in sands, soils and Emphysema railroad Cancer stones. It can also be used to create materials like glass, concrete and bricks. When these materials are cut or drilled to create dust, it has crystalline silica particles. These particles are easily inhaled, posing the health risk for construction workers. Exposure to crystalline silica can cause pulmonary fibrosis (an irreparable scarring and stiffening of the lungs) lung cancer, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can also lead to kidney disease and tuberculosis.

Workers who are exposed to a high amount of crystalline silica dust are at the highest risk of developing emphysema. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has regulations for this type of exposure. Many workers exposed to this dust are not protected at work. This includes steel mill workers, and stone quarrying and excavation workers.

Welding Fumes

When metal is heated during an arc-welding process there are welding fumes that are created. They are a mixture of metallic oxides (oxides) and silicates (silicates) and fluorides. These welding fumes are dangerous to workers and can cause respiratory issues, such as emphysema. In addition these welding fumes may also be harmful to the eyes and skin.

Welders often work with high levels of chrome, nickel, and manganese. These elements are used in the production of stainless steels and other alloys. These welding fumes are known to cause irritation of the eyes and throat and can cause kidney damage, lung problems and heart disease. Several studies have found that welders have a higher risk of developing emphysema, Emphysema Railroad cancer compared to non-welders. The risk was higher when smokers were included in the study.

Many who work on railroads are exposed to diesel exhaust fumes which are a major cause of Emphysema Railroad Cancer. A recent trial in Texas which involved rail workers exposed to diesel fumes ended in a defense verdict. An increasing body of evidence indicates that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes can cause lung diseases similar to those caused by welding fumes. As a result, a growing number of railroad workers are filing claims for workers' compensation for lung diseases, such as Emphysema and seeking reimbursement from their employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act.

Secondhand Smoke

Emphysema is more likely develop when you smoke tobacco or inhale secondhand smoke. This is because the chemicals that a cigarettes releases together with the toxins smokers exhale are released into the air. It takes a long time for the lungs to become damaged, and one may suffer symptoms of emphysema such as difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be experienced during low-impact daily activities or at a higher rate during strenuous exercise.

Railroad workers can develop COPD, including emphysema, as a result of exposure to diesel exhaust and welding fumes, silica, coal, or mineral dust. The symptoms of COPD may include a persistent mucus that won't disappear or subsides with exercise or blue lips or fingernails. Our FELA lawyers can assist railroad workers seek financial compensation for work-related illness.

Asbestos

Asbestos is naturally found in a variety of forms. It is a brittle substance, meaning that when dry, it will crumble and then pulverize or be powdered. This releases microscopic fibers into the air, which can be inhaled. This can lead to various diseases, such as asbestosis and Mesothelioma.

In railroad shops and yards asbestos is utilized to repair or build rail cars. It was also a typical insulation material in older rail structures such as cabooses and boxcars locomotives, steam train fireboxes. Asbestos was a very popular choice due to its extremely fire-resistant material. However, it is also known as a carcinogen, and can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and Emphysema.

Railroad workers injured in the line of duty are able to sue their employers for compensation for work-related injuries under the provisions of a law dubbed the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA. Railroad companies fight these claims vehemently and often have a valid point. It can be difficult to prove a worker's injury was only caused by work on railroads.

We have several attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy who have experience in bringing FELA suits on behalf of railroad employees. We were able to secure an important settlement for a family member of a railroad worker who passed away from mesothelioma.