Throat Cancer Caused by Railroad WorkRailroad workers manage large amounts of freight, which includes coal, food, lumber and metal ore. Unfortunately, this work often comes with serious risks of disease and illness.A retired locomotive engineer, for instance has recently filed a lawsuit against CSX Transportation Inc. claiming that he was suffering from chronic throat cancer and lung disease because of his exposure to diesel exhaust.Asbestos ExposureAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used extensively in all kinds of construction materials. It was a fire-, water- and electricity-resistant insulator that lent itself to all kinds of industrial applications. Asbestos was extensively used by railroads for its insulation properties. However, inhaling asbestos fibers is known to cause serious illness and even cancer.Regular asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing cancers like mesothelioma. This kind of cancer is caused by the inhalation of asbestos particles, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 70 years for the first signs like shortness of breath or bleeding from the chest to show.Inhalation increases the risk of laryngeal carcinoma. The cancer can grow in the pharynx or the larynx both of which play a role in speech and digestion. A diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma can result in a variety of adverse impacts on the person's life.If you have been diagnosed with a throat cancer you believe is related to your work as a railroad employee an experienced workers' compensation lawyer must be immediately contacted. An experienced lawyer can assist you in obtaining the financial compensation you're entitled to under FELA. Hughes Law Offices compiled a list of recent verdicts, settlements and cases of cancer in railroads that involve solvents, diesel exhaust and other workplace toxins to give you a sense of what is expected.Diesel ExhaustIn 2012 the International Agency for Research on Cancer -- part of the World Health Organization -- classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans. This conclusion was based on studies that related exposure to diesel fumes and particles with lung disease and cancer, including respiratory illnesses and even death. all caused by railroad how to get a settlement indicates that diesel exhaust may negatively impact the ecological system, based on fuel type and the operation of the engine as well as emission control systems.Exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of several types of lung problems, including COPD and asthma. Smoking is a major contributor to these issues and is known to increase the risk of developing lung cancer in workers who are exposed to diesel fumes. The small size of diesel exhaust, which is less than 2.5 microns (a human hair is 70 microns) permits it to carry the cancer-causing chemicals deep into lungs.The small particle size of diesel exhaust causes it to attract gas and other toxic chemicals, which further increases the toxicity. These substances include formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the long run, exposure to these chemicals can cause cancer of the throat known as laryngeal carcinoma. Other toxic chemicals in diesel fumes are vinyl chloride, that has been classified as a possible human carcinogen and may cause liver damage and cancer. Diesel emissions can also impact the health of employees working for railroads. They contribute to acid rain and ground-level ozone, which can harm vegetation and human food supplies.Other Toxic ChemicalsRailroad workers have been exposed for many years to harmful chemicals for decades. Researchers have discovered that these substances can cause a range of debilitating diseases and illnesses. Workplace exposure to chemicals has been linked to throat cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the throat, which could be caused by your work on a railroad, it's vital to consult a FELA attorney regarding making an action.In addition to asbestos and diesel exhaust There are a host of other harmful substances that could cause throat cancer. Creosote and lead, as well as degreasing solvents are all known to be carcinogenic. These chemicals are found on railroad ties, and they can increase your risk of getting throat cancer. These chemicals are also present in wood dust and coal used on railroads.Benzene is another well-known carcinogen. It is a poison that can be inhaled, or eaten and is believed to cause a variety of cancer. This compound can be found in fuel oils, lubricants and other railroad products. It can also be inhaled through diesel exhaust, which could increase the risk of developing throat cancer.Other risks for developing throat cancer include smoking and drinking. In addition the human papilloma virus (HPV) can contribute to this type of cancer. HPV is spread through oral sex and is a major cause of oropharyngeal carcinoma that accounts for 70% of all cases.Pre-Settlement FinanceA railway worker who has been diagnosed with throat cancer resulting from years of exposure to dangerous chemicals may file a suit under the Federal Employers Liability Act. A FELA attorney could help a person prove that their health issues were caused by occupational exposure to toxic chemicals such as creosote.A lawsuit could take months or even years to resolve, and it's likely that a victim will face thousands of dollars in medical bills during this time. In some cases the mounting bills may be enough to make a person is unable to work and is unable to pay for basic needs.In these instances, a pre-settlement financing company can provide legal funds to help a person to keep their finances in order. This type of financial aid is sometimes called a settlement or lawsuit cash advance loan, but it is not to be confused with a loan because there is no repayment required unless the plaintiff is successful and receives a settlement.A reputable legal financing company will carefully analyze the facts of a case before they approve an application for financial assistance. They will also consider the medical records and other documentation that a person provides to determine if they're suitable for a lawsuit loan or settlement advance.