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Emphysema Railroad Settlements

Railroad workers who are diagnosed with lung conditions such as Emphysema settlement may submit claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Ken Danzinger, shareholder at Simmons Hanly Conroy can assist those suffering from lung diseases to receive compensation for their past and future medical expenses.

The occupational exposure to diesel exhaust as well as mineral and coal dusts, welding fumes silica and secondhand smoke could contribute to Emphysema lawsuit settlement. A FELA claim could make the responsible parties accountable.

Silica

Silica is a mineral that is essential to the human body. It is found in bones and tendons, cartilage and blood as well as in the urine. It is also part of the lungs and is used in medicines to help people breathe. If workers are exposed, silica dust may cause Emphysema. The reason for this is that the exposure to this dust can damage the lungs, causing them to expand. The condition can cause the lung to lose the ability to absorb oxygen, which can make breathing difficult.

Crystalline silica can be described as a common mineral that is found in sand, soil, and even in stones. It is also used in the manufacture of glass, concrete and bricks. These materials generate dust containing crystalline silica when they are cut or drilled. These particles can easily be inhaled, posing the health risk for construction workers. Crystalline silica exposure can cause lung fibrosis (an irreparable scarring and stiffening of the lung), lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It may also cause kidney disease and tuberculosis.

Workers who are exposed for prolonged periods of crystallized dust are at greater risk of developing Emphysema. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations are applicable to this kind of exposure. However, the majority of workers who are exposed to this dust don't have protections for their workplaces in place. This includes steel mill workers, stone quarrying workers, and miners.

Welding Fumes

The fumes from welding are a mixture of metallic oxides, silicates and fluorides that are produced when metal is heated during an arc welding process. These welding fumes are harmful to workers and may cause respiratory issues, such as Emphysema cancer settlements. These welding fumes can be harmful to the skin and eyes.

Welders are typically exposed to high levels of manganese, chrome, nickel and other elements used in the production of stainless steel and other alloys. These welding fumes can cause irritation to the throat and eyes, and lead to lung issues, heart disease and kidney damage. Welders are at greater risk of developing emphysema than non-welders, according to a number of studies. The risk was even greater when smokers were a part of the study.

Many workers on the railroad are also exposed to exhaust fumes from diesel engines which is another main cause of Emphysema. Recent Texas trials involving rail workers exposed diesel fumes resulted in an appeal verdict. However an increasing amount of evidence suggests that long-term exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel engines can cause lung problems similar to those caused by welding fumes. As a result, an increasing number of railroad employees are submitting workers' compensation claims for lung ailments such as Emphysema, and seeking compensation from employers under the Federal Employers Liability Act.

Second-Hand Smoke

Emphysema is more likely to develop if you smoke tobacco or inhale secondhand smoke. This is due to the substances that a smoking smoke emits, together with the toxins a smoker exhales are released into the air. It takes years for your lungs to get damaged, and a person can experience symptoms of emphysema, such as difficulty breathing. These symptoms can manifest during low-impact sports, or they may become more severe when you perform strenuous exercises.

COPD and Emphysema Railroad Settlements emphysema can be found among railroad workers. This is due to exposure to diesel exhaust fumes, welding fumes or silica dust coal dust or mineral dust. The symptoms of COPD can include a persistent mucus that won't disappear, shortness of breath with exercise or blue lips or fingernails. Our FELA attorneys can aid railroad employees in seeking financial compensation for occupational illnesses.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate minerals that is found in six varieties. It is a brittle substance, meaning that when dry, it can crumble or pulverize, or even become powdered. This releases microscopic fibers in the air, which can be inhaled. This can result in many illnesses, including asbestosis as well as Mesothelioma.

In railroad yards and shops in shops and yards, asbestos is used to repair or build rail cars. It was also used as an insulation material for older rail structures like cabooses, boxcars and locomotives. Asbestos is a fire-resistant substance that made it a popular option. It is a known carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.

Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) railroad workers injured can sue their employers for compensation. Railroad companies usually combat these claims vigorously, and sometimes they are justified because it can be difficult to prove that a worker's injury was caused by only railroad work.

We have a number of attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy who are proficient in bringing FELA suits on behalf of railroad employees. We were able to negotiate a significant settlement for the family of a railroad employee who passed away from mesothelioma.