Emphysema Caused by Railroad Exposures
Rail workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals and particles on the job. This includes diesel exhaust fumes, silica and coal dust.
aml caused by railroad how to get a settlement can cause emphysema as well as other lung disorders. Emphysema causes large holes (bullae) in the lung. These holes reduce the size of the air sacs and make breathing difficult.
Symptoms
The air sacs of your lungs (alveolis) become damaged. This can prevent your lungs from expanding when you breathe. As a result you may feel short of breath and feel weak. The symptoms are more apparent in the final stages of the illness.
When the alveoli's walls break down, it forms an alveoli-like pouch or bubble inside your lungs. The pockets are able to hold air and can make your chest appear fuller and create a barrel-chested look. The decreased number of alveoli also reduces the amount of oxygen circulating into your bloodstream.
If the emphysema is severe it could cause serious issues that could end up being life-threatening. For example, it increases the risk of collapsed lung (pneumothorax). It also puts strain on your heart which makes you more prone to infections like pneumonia and lung bronchitis. It can also cause large, round holes inside the lungs known as bullae. This can reduce the space available for the lungs and may lead breathing problems.
Railroad workers who prove that exposure to diesel exhaust, dust and fumes caused their Emphysema may be qualified for financial compensation. Our law firm will assist you receive the compensation that you're entitled to. We will assist you through the entire process of submitting an insurance claim. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist.
Diagnosis
Physical examinations are the best method of diagnosing Emphysema. A healthcare provider will be able to detect your lung sounds using a medical instrument known as an stethoscope. They will be able to detect changes in your lungs due to emphysematics and detect signs of the disease on your chest X-ray, or CT scan.
Your doctor might also assess your pulmonary function to determine the quality of your breathing and exhale. The tests for pulmonary function include spirometry and arterial blood gas (ABG). ABG examines the amount oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. This will help determine the need for oxygen.
Treatment can slow down the progress of emphysema. It also improves your quality. It can also decrease the risk of complications such as heart disease. People suffering from severe emphysema could develop empty spaces in the lungs, known as bullae. They can be as big as half the size of the lung and reduce the surface area of the lung. Patients with a massive bullous emphysema run the risk of developing a collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
Railroad companies have the ability to stop tens and thousands of railway workers developing lung diseases that can be debilitating. FELA allows railroad companies to be held accountable for their failure to take action. People who work for railroads and are exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust and other toxic substances are able to bring personal injury and claims for wrongful death.
Treatment
It is difficult for your lungs' ability to transport oxygen into and out since the the air sacs have been damaged. In time, this can result in enlarged lungs which make it harder to breathe and may cause you cough more frequently. This is called stage 3 or severe Emphysema.
Emphysema is not curable however, there are ways to reduce the symptoms and enhance the quality of life. You can reduce irritations such as secondhand smoke, air pollutants, chemical fumes and particles in your home and office. You can also enhance your lungs by completing regular exercise routine.
If you're diagnosed with emphysema or emphysema in the will probably recommend a pulmonary function test. Spirometry is among the tests that can be used to evaluate the quality of your lungs' exhale and inhale. It can also be used to check for inflammation in the lungs and determine if there is an obstruction of your airway or have other respiratory problems. Other tests that your doctor could order include arterial blood gas (ABG) which is a measure of the amount oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
The most effective way to avoid emphysema is to avoid smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke. But, this isn't easy for all people, particularly those who have been diagnosed with COPD. Workers who were exposed asbestos, diesel exhausts, and other chemicals while working should seek compensation from their former railroad employers for their long-term ailments under FELA.
Settlement
A significant percentage of railroad workers develop respiratory diseases that can be fatal like Emphysema or other respiratory diseases due to exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust and other toxic materials. Railroad workers who can prove their job has caused or aggravated pulmonary disease may be eligible for financial compensation. The FELA statute allows for claims of comparative negligence. This means that even if an railroad employee smoked cigarettes and his or her health issues were partly caused by smoking, they can still be held partly liable. Our legal team is ready to help railroad workers injured get the compensation they deserve.