Railroad Settlement MDs
The railroad settlements form the basis of the nation's supply chain for freight. A train strike could seriously disrupt trade between the United States and its overseas trading partners.
Exposure to benzene (a petroleum-based product that is that is found in paints, degreasers, and fuels) puts railway workers at risk of developing myelodysplastic disease.
Benzene Exposures
Benzene is an odorless, transparent liquid that quickly evaporates into the air. It is found in petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel, and also in chemical solvents used to degrease engines, and in cigarette smoke. It is used in the manufacturing of pesticides and lubricants and dyes resins, synthetic polymers, and synthetic resins.
It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. In their work environments railroad workers may be exposed to benzene through diesel exhaust fumes. They could also be exposed to benzene by the use of safety-Kleen parts washers, mineral spirits and paint strippers. Exposure to these chemicals can put mechanics and machinists working on railroad cars at risk of developing MDS. In the past, workers working in railway yards like locomotive engineers or laborers who are involved in refueling operations have also been exposed to benzene.
union pacific settlements show that high exposure to benzene leads to various types of leukemia. There is a clear relationship between AML and benzene (meta-RR1*67 [95%CI1*01-2*77]). Higher levels of exposure are associated with other blood cancers such as diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma.
Exposure to benzene can be the result of poor working conditions and insufficient safety measures. If someone is negligently exposed to benzene and later develops an illness, they have the right to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and suffering. Contact a benzene lawyer as soon as possible in the event that you've been affected by railroad benzene.
Acute Myeloid leukemia
This kind of leukemia begins from the young white blood cells, also known as monocytes or granulocytes within the bone marrow. It is most prevalent in adults, however it can also affect children. It is often caused by genetic abnormalities that can be passed down through the generations or the result of certain environmental exposures. It can also be caused by cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy. In some instances, long-term exposures to chemical carcinogens such as benzene could cause it.
Acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by fever, fatigue, bruising or bleeding easily as well as a pale complexion and weight loss. Blood tests are used to diagnose this condition, and specialists such as hematologist-oncologists can help to determine the cause of your condition. They will go through your medical records, and then perform an examination that includes checking for swollen liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. They will also collect samples of your blood to check the levels of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets. These are a part of blood that helps clot and stop bleeding.
Your doctors will also use a variety of other tests to determine the kind of acute myeloid leukemia you have and the severity of it. This information will be used to plan your treatment. There is no standard staging system for this disease, however, your doctors will consider various factors to determine the extent to which cancer has spread through your blood and bone marrow.
Federal Employers Liability Act
Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) is a set of federal law, grants railroad employees the right of compensation for damages of a significant amount in the event of injury. FELA allows compensation to be awarded when railroad companies' negligence or failure to inspect equipment results in a person getting hurt. This is a different set than a standard workers compensation claim, because FELA claims are subject to comparative negligence rules. This means that the railroad company needs to be found to be at a minimum partly responsible for an injury in order to be awarded a court award.
If you suffer an injury at working, a lawyer skilled in FELA lawsuits must be immediately to be consulted. In addition to providing advice on the best method of handling your case an attorney can also protect you from being swindled by the railroad's claims department or lawyers into filling out forms that are designed to gather information they can use to defeat or reduce your claim.
As soon as they are informed of an accident railroads get to work to avoid liability. They begin collecting statements, pictures and documents to be used against you if and when you bring a lawsuit. This is why an attorney that is experienced with FELA cases should be retained as soon as it is possible to protect your rights and ensure that all evidence is collected and kept.