From Around The Web The 20 Most Amazing Infographics About Asthma Railroad Injuries

Asthma Railroad Lawsuits

Rail workers are exposed dangerous fumes that can cause asthma, respiratory illnesses, and toxic brain disease. These fumes include creosote, diesel exhaust silica dust chemical compounds and vapors paint and solvents.

If you have developed asthma as a result of the negligence of your employer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). To learn more about your legal options, contact an attorney for asthma in railroad workers.

Diesel Exhaust Exposure

Diesel exhaust, also known as DEE is a mix of fine and ultra-fine particles of soot. These particles bypass the body’s natural defense mechanisms and penetrate deep into the lungs. These tiny particles have rough surfaces which trap and release other environmental pollutants into the body.

Diesel particulate matter can cause asthma and cause lung irritation, wheezing and breathing difficulties. It can cause bronchitis as well as Emphysema, as well as other respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular issues. It can also lead to premature death as well as a decline in productivity at work.

Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust increases the risk of cancers occurring in the bladder, larynx as well as the esophagus (voice box) stomach, pancreas and blood system. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (an arm of the World Health Organization) has determined that diesel exhaust exposure could cause lung cancer.

In addition diesel emissions cause ground-level ozone, which damages crops, kills vegetation, and decreases visibility. Acid rain also impacts the quality of drinking water. It harms rivers and lakes and impacts food chains and pollutes them.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is made up of long, thin silicon fibers that are used to make various building and manufacturing materials. Asbestos is known as a carcinogen, an air pollution that can cause respiratory problems as severe as COPD. The breathing condition symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and wheezing. People may be exposed to asbestos when microscopic dust particles enter the air and breathed into. The fibers are released after older structures and products that contain asbestos are damaged or disturbed.

Before asbestos safety regulations went into effect the majority of workers were exposed to asbestos at their workplaces. This exposure could happen on the job such as for those working in naval shipyards, mining or aerospace engineering. It could also happen indirectly in the event that people brought home dust from their work on their clothing, skin and hair. Asbestos can trigger a number of serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma and pleural effusions. It can cause rounded atelectasis, where the lung tissues are folded and have fibrous tissue around them.

Toxic Encephalopathy

When someone is poisoned the body can experience severe and lasting issues. This is typically observed when there is loss of brain function, also known as encephalopathy. This could be due to birth defects, medications-related side effects, or exposure to certain chemicals or diseases like Alzheimer's.

The most well-known form of toxic encephalopathy occurs when neurotoxic chemicals are exposed to low levels over many years. These chemicals can harm nerve endings, which transmit electrical impulses to the brain and enable the brain to translate these signals into thinking and action.

People who have been exposed to this kind of pollution can develop insidious symptoms over time without showing any immediate changes in behavior or consciousness. Asthma can also be a symptom of this disease. These chemicals can cause damage to brain cells that control movement and respiration. A person with this condition might have trouble breathing and experiencing headaches. They may also become disorganized. They might also experience memory issues and mood swings. In some instances the brain's structure can alter completely if exposed to enough.

FELA

If the railroad's employer was negligent, or even partially negligent, in creating asthma or other respiratory diseases, the worker may be entitled to compensation. This is typically several times more than the benefits that are provided by state laws governing workers' compensation to non-railroaders.

Rail companies are accountable for the safety of their workers and must take reasonable steps to avoid accidents. If a company does not protect workers from exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust or other hazards workers could be suffering from serious health issues that can cut their working years short and render them permanently disabled.

In FELA cases, a worker must show that the negligence of their employer caused or contributed to their injury or that the injury was caused through their work. The burden of proof is lower than that required in workers' compensation claims however, it requires the plaintiff to prove that the railroad's negligence played a part in their injury. A FELA lawyer can assist clients gather evidence.

Worker's Compensation

Workers who develop asthma or lung problems caused by their job may be eligible for workers' compensation. Asthma is a respiratory problem that results in the airways of the lungs becoming narrower and releasing excess mucus. It can be caused many different ways, including unhealthy working conditions.

For those suffering from occupational asthma, Asthma lawsuit settlements doctors must support the claim by presenting a rationally formulated report of how their exposure to harmful substances in workplaces that are covered caused, contributed to or aggravated the occupational asthma. It is also essential to provide a clear paper trail from the first symptoms of asthma to a diagnosis from a doctor and finally, the filing for workers' compensation.

If an Asthma lawsuit settlements, the original source, claim is denied due to causation then the DEEOIC will develop a comprehensive list that will be sent to district offices and the Final Adjudication Branch. These cases will be evaluated in accordance to this bulletin's causation guidelines. If the medical evidence supports a diagnosis of occupational asthma the claim will be accepted. The patient may be required to halt any further exposure to the work sensitizer.