Emphysema Caused by Railroad Exposures
Railroad workers are often exposed to hazardous chemicals and particulates working. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement includes diesel exhaust fumes, silica and coal dust.
These substances can cause emphysema and various lung conditions. Emphysema is a condition that causes large holes (bullae) in the lung. These holes decrease the size of the air sacs and make breathing difficult.
Symptoms
In emphysema, air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs become damaged. The damage blocks the lungs from expanding when they breathe. In the end, you may experience shortness of breath and feel weak. The symptoms are more apparent during the last stages of the illness.
When lung cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement of the alveoli break, it creates the appearance of a bubble or pouch within your lung. The pockets are able to hold air which can make your chest appear larger and create a barrel-chested look. The reduced number alveoli reduces the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream.
If the emphysema progresses it could cause serious problems that can be life-threatening. For instance, it increases the chance of having a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). It can also put stress on your heart, making you more susceptible to diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also cause large, round holes inside the lungs, known as bullae. This can reduce the amount of space available to the lungs and may lead breathing issues.
Rail workers who can prove that their emphysema is the result of exposure to dust, diesel fumes and exhaust during their work are entitled to compensation. Our law firm will help you receive the compensation you're entitled to. We will assist you through the entire process of filing an claim. Contact bladder cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement for more information on how we can help.
Diagnosis
The most effective method to determine Emphysema is through an examination. A healthcare provider will listen to your lung sounds with an instrument used in medical practice called the Stethoscope (auscultation). They can detect the emphysematic changes in your lungs and observe signs of this condition on your chest CT scan or an X-ray.
Your doctor can also test your pulmonary function to determine how well you breathe and exhale. Testing for pulmonary function includes spirometry (spirometry) and arterial blood gases (ABG). ABG examines the amount carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood. This will determine the need for oxygen.
Treatment can slow down the progress of emphysema and improve your health. It also lowers the risk of complications such as heart disease. Bullae are empty spaces that can develop in the lungs of people with severe emphysema. They can be as large as a quarter of the lung, and can reduce the surface area of the lung. Patients with emphysema that is massive (bullous emphysema) are at a higher chance of developing collapsed lungs (pneumothorax).
Railroad companies have the power to protect tens of millions of workers on railways from suffering from lung diseases that are debilitating. If they don't, FELA allows them to be held liable. People who work for railroads and are exposed on the job to diesel exhaust, asbestos and other toxic materials have a strong basis to file personal injury and claims for wrongful death.
Treatment
It is difficult for your lungs to transport oxygen in and out because the the air sacs are damaged. Over time, this can cause enlarged lungs that make it harder to breathe and could cause you to cough more often. This is referred to as stage 3 or severe Emphysema.
Emphysema can't be cured, but you can take steps to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Try to stay away from irritating substances like secondhand smoke, air pollution and chemical fumes and dusts in your workplace and at home. You can also build up your lungs with the same routine of exercise.
If you've been diagnosed with emphysema, your doctor might recommend pulmonary function tests. Spirometry is one of the tests that can be used to assess the efficiency of your lungs to exhale and inhale. It can also test for lung inflammation and determine if there is an obstruction to your airways or other respiratory conditions. Other tests that your doctor could require include arterial blood gas (ABG) that measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
The best method to avoid emphysema is to stop smoking and not breathe in second-hand smoke. This is not always easy for everyone. Particularly when they are diagnosed with COPD. People who have been exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos and other chemical substances in the workplace should seek compensation for their long-term health concerns from their former railroad employers under FELA.
Settlement
A significant percentage of railroad employees suffer respiratory diseases that can be fatal like Emphysema and various respiratory ailments due to their exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust and other toxic materials. Railroad employees who are able to prove that their jobs contributed to or worsened their pulmonary condition may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the railroads who employed them. The FELA statute permits findings of comparative negligence, which means that even if a worker smoked cigarettes and the health issues were caused by smoking, the railroad can still be held partially accountable. Our legal team is on hand to help railroad workers injured obtain the compensation they deserve.