What Cancers Are Linked to Diesel Exhaust Exposure?
Numerous occupational cancers and lung diseases have close associations with workplace exposure to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, creosote, asbestos and silica. The following have been noted by experts as a risk of working in a rail yard:
- Lung Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Aplastic Anemia
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Emphysema
- RADS (Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome)
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
The above diseases and illnesses can be prevented if the proper safety gear is used and workers are educated about the risks of close contact with toxic materials. Many lawsuits have argued that railroad workers, especially before the mid-1980s, were completely unaware that diesel fumes and other toxins were likely to raise the risk of developing cancer later in life. Major rail companies have been held accountable for a failure to warn employees of such health hazards, and former workers have settled cases for six and seven figures.
Injured Norfolk Southern employees may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) as well as claims with Workers’ compensation, however to make sure compensation packages do not prohibit you from filing a personal injury claim that can fill in significant financial gaps, victims should contact a railroad cancer attorney at (513) 381-2333.
Who is At Risk at the Spencer Yard?
A variety of rail yard positions have historically been exposed to diesel, asbestos, benzene, solvents, fuels, welding fumes, silica, and creosote, leading to long-term health issues like cancer. Most workers assumed such chemical inhalation wasn’t exactly the best thing for them, but trusted their employer to protect their well-being. It turns out that some railway companies were negligent and provided workers with very little in the way of workplace health education.
As the years have gone by, there seems to be a trend among former rail yard employees. Those at high risk of developing cancer and lung disease include mostly the positions in the yard that involved directly handling toxic materials like railroad ties that were treated with creosote and other chemicals. Many others were exposed to diesel by just showing up to work because the locomotives discharged large amounts of exhaust on site.
Pipefitters, boiler workers, mechanics and electricians were likely exposed to asbestos in years past with huge amounts of the substance embedded in brakes, fittings, valves, gaskets and electrical components. Yardmen, signal men, conductors and brakemen were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust. Machinists and engineers were also at risk at almost any rail station in the country.
Why Hire The Lyon Firm?
The Lyon Firm is dedicated to finding the best compensation packages for former railroad workers at Norfolk Southern’s Linwood Yard – Spencer Yard, and any other employees around the country who need assistance after a cancer diagnosis turns their world upside down. During the toughest times, a family may badly need financial help but does not know where to turn. Legal recourse may be possible, and we are here to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible.
We offer our legal services on a contingency basis, which means by working with us, we assume all the financial risk. You can focus on your health and family and we will assume all the difficult tasks of building a case and working toward a settlement.
We have twenty years of experience in the toxic exposure field, and we work with experts around the country that can draw links from your diagnosis to specific toxic exposure in your past work history. These cases can be complex, but we have proven success in settling work toxic exposure cases.
Why File a Railroad Injury Claim?
When you are very ill and are having a difficult time considering personal finances and health at the same time, filing a lawsuit may be the best course of action. It can be the last resort when a company fails to provide you with the money you need to pay your expenses.
Railroad Cancer claims may be able to pay for medical bills as well as costs of future expenses that may not be realistic if you are disabled and unable to work. Settlements can bring you peace, justice and the financing you and your family need for the future.