Emphysema Caused by Railroad Exposures
Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous chemicals and particulates while working. This includes silica, diesel exhaust fumes and coal dust.
These substances can cause the lung condition emphysema as well as other conditions. People suffering from emphysema have large holes in their lungs (bullae). These holes decrease the size of the air sacs and make breathing more difficult.
Symptoms
In emphysema conditions, the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs get damaged. The damage stops the lungs from expanding as they breathe. As a result you might experience shortness of breath and feel weak. These symptoms are most noticeable in the final stages of the disease.
When the alveoli's walls break, it forms pockets or bubbles in your lung. These pockets may hold in air and make your chest appear more full. The decreased number of alveoli also reduces the quantity of oxygen that is absorbed into your bloodstream.
It can cause serious issues and even life-threatening issues in the event that the emphysema has progressed. It can, for instance, increase the risk of collapsed lung (pneumothorax). It can also place strain on your heart, which makes you more likely to get diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia. It may also cause large, round holes inside the lungs, known as bullae. This can reduce the amount of room available for the lungs, and can cause breathing issues.
Rail workers who can prove their emphysema resulted from exposure to diesel fumes, dust and exhaust while working can be eligible for compensation. Our law firm will assist you receive the compensation that you deserve. We will assist you through the entire process of submitting a claim. Call us for more information on how we can help.
Diagnosis
A physical examination is the best way to determine Emphysema. A doctor will be able to detect your lung sounds using a medical device known as an Stethoscope. They can detect emphysematic changes in your lungs and can detect signs of the disease on your chest X-ray, or CT scan.
Your doctor might also examine your pulmonary function to assess how well your lungs inhale and exhale air. Tests for pulmonary function include spirometry and arterial blood gas (ABG). An ABG measures the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood from an artery. This test will help determine if require additional oxygen.
Treatment can slow down the progression of emphysema and improve your quality. It also lowers the risk of complications, such as heart disease. Emphysema sufferers can develop spaces of empty space in the lung, which are known as bullae. They can be as large as a quarter of the lungs and reduce its overall surface area. People who have a huge bullous emphysema are more at chance of suffering from an elongated lung (pneumothorax).
The railroad companies have the capacity to stop tens or thousands of workers on railways from developing lung diseases that could be debilitating. FELA allows railroad companies to be held accountable for their failure to protect their employees. pancreatic cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement who work for railroads and are exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos and other toxic materials have strong grounds to file personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Treatment
It is difficult for your lungs' ability to transport oxygen out and back in because the the air sacs are damaged. This can lead to an increase in lung tissue, which makes breathing difficult. You might also be more likely to cough. This is often referred to as stage 3 or severe emphysema.
Emphysema cannot be treated however, you can take steps to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life. You can avoid irritating irritants such as secondhand smoke air pollutants, chemical fumes and dust particles in your home and office. You can also enhance your lungs by completing the same routine of exercise.
If you are diagnosed with emphysema, your doctor will probably suggest a pulmonary function test. Spirometry is one of the tests that can determine how well your lungs exhale and inhale. It can also be used to test for lung inflammation and determine whether you suffer from airway obstruction or other respiratory conditions. Your doctor might also recommend an arterial blood gas test (ABG) which measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood.
The best way to prevent emphysema is to avoid smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke. This isn't always simple for certain people. Particularly if they have been diagnosed with COPD. Workers who have been exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos and other chemicals in the workplace should seek compensation for long-term health issues from their former railroad employers under FELA.
Settlement
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases that are debilitating like emphysema and asthma, as well other respiratory illnesses because of their exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. Railroad employees who can prove that their work caused or aggravated their pulmonary condition may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the railroads who employed them. The FELA statute permits the finding of comparative negligence, which means even if a railroad employee smoked cigarettes and his or her health problems were caused by smoking, they could still be held partially liable. Our legal team is on hand to help injured railroad workers get the compensation they deserve.