12 Companies That Are Leading The Way In Railroad Settlement Mds
Railroad Settlement For Emphysema
Railroad workers suffer emphysema from years of exposure to toxic fumes, dust and gases. Our FELA law firm helps them in filing occupational disease claims.
Emphysema victims often rely on the compensation of a railroad settlement to cover the hospital, surgical and therapeutic costs associated with their condition. Different types of inhaled particles can trigger the condition, such as silica sand, diesel exhaust and asbestos.
Silica Sand
Silica is a naturally occurring substance that exists in the earth as small granules. It is made from silicon dioxide (SiO2) that has an unique lattice crystal structure that gives it hardness and other characteristics. It is used extensively in construction.
Inhaling silica dust can cause silicosis. It is a work-related lung disease that could lead to the death of the lung. It happens when tiny particles of silica crystals enter the lungs which causes inflammation and scarring. Over time, fibrosis begins to form around the silica particles, and the lungs become permanently scarred. This can lead to lung cancer, emphysema or bronchitis.
Railroad workers may be exposed to crystalline silica by different ways, like drilling or hammering rocks that contains silica; performing blasting with abrasive particles; or working with concrete and masonry materials. Other sources of crystalline silica are sand and rice hulls, and other plant tissues that contain silica and certain types of paints.
The tiniest silica particles are breathed deep into the lungs, where they cause damage. Therefore, railroads should make sure that employees are protected from exposure to silica, including limiting time in areas with significant airborne sand. Railroads should also provide mouthpieces and shoes that are sand-free to workers who are using equipment that produces sand in the air. Trains must also be fitted with filters that prevent dust from entering the cabin.
Welding Fumes

When you picture welding, it is likely that you will see a hardworking welder surrounded with sparkling sparks and graceful curled fumes. The romantic picture quickly fades when you consider the negative effects of the fumes that are released into the air on workers' health.
Welding fume is a harmful combination of metal particles, chemicals and gases. This mix of elements impacts a welder's health over both short and long exposures. The exact makeup of welding fumes will depend on a variety of factors that include the type of metal being welded as well as the coatings and paint on the metal, and the shielding gas used.
Metal fume fever is a frequent sign of welding fumes. It is characterized by flu like symptoms like fatigue as well as chills and aches. cll caused by railroad how to get a settlement can also include a metallic taste in the mouth as well as general feeling of being unwell.
The exposure to welding fumes could be reduced through a variety of measures for control like local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and respiratory protection equipment, and mechanical general ventilation. However it is important to keep in mind that these measures should be viewed as a last resort option. When welding fume levels cannot be controlled using these methods, it is recommended that a COSHH assessment should be completed to determine the most appropriate control. This involves estimating exposure and determining the steps that need to be taken to minimize it if preventing it is not practical.
Diesel Exhaust
In recent years there has been an increase in the use of "cleaner" engines for trucks and other types of vehicles. However, people who work in the fields of agriculture, construction and other sectors that require large machinery that burns diesel fuel are still exposed to this dangerous fume. These fumes are loaded with hundreds of harmful chemicals that cause harm to the skin, lungs and internal organs.
Diesel exhaust fumes are frequently inhaled by railroad workers driving trains. These toxic fumes can also be inhaled by shop workers, who could need to stay inside the locomotive when it's in the shop.
Diesel exhaust from diesel engines contains gasoline that has not been burned as well as toxic chemicals. These chemicals comprise particulate matter (soot), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides volatile organic compounds, and hydrocarbons. Breathing in high concentrations of these contaminants can lead to respiratory symptoms such as coughing as well as irritation in the throat and nose and shortness of breath. It may also cause an accumulation of lungs.
Studies of diesel exhaust have shown that it may also increase the risk of developing lung cancer in people. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic for humans.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a dangerous material that was once commonly employed in the railroad industry. It was tough and resistant to corrosion. It also served as an excellent insulation. It was also cheap to make and simple to install in rail automobiles. Asbestos is a known contributor to lung cancer and a variety of other illnesses. The mesothelioma attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy are familiar with the negative impact that exposure to asbestos can have on a railroad worker's life and health. We assist railroad workers injured by asbestos to make FELA lawsuits in order to get financial compensation for their illnesses and injuries.
Research has shown that railroad workers are at an increased risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases than other members of the workforce. This is particularly relevant to those who worked prior to 1950, when railroads changed from steam engines to diesel. These workers of the past may have been exposed to asbestos when they were building repairs or sanding railroad ties, rail cars and locomotives constructed from asbestos. The material is deadly.
Because mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses have a long time of dormancy and many railroad workers who were injured didn't realize they had an illness until decades after their exposure. If you suffer from an illness of the respiratory system such as COPD or lung cancer mesothelioma which is linked to your previous work on the railroad, it's important to consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer right away.