Railroad Settlement For Black Lung Disease
The federal fund provides a lifeline to some railroad workers who suffer from severe black lung disease. But it could vanish in the event that the tax on coal companies that funds it is not renewed by Congress.
A handful of lawyers who are willing to handle these cases will help miners navigate a complicated legal system to secure low monthly payments as well as medical coverage.
Asthma
Asthma is a lung disease that can affect an individual's quality of life, preventing them from carrying out routine tasks. Some instances are mild and result in occasional wheezing or shortness in breath. Some cases are severe and can cause a failure to engage in any physical activity. Exposure to triggers such as allergens or fumes, toxins, or smoking secondhand can trigger the condition. Asthma can be triggered if you suffer from respiratory infections such as the flu or a cold. Asthma can occur at any time, but it's most prevalent in infants and children with immune systems that are developing.
Asthmatics are at a higher-than-average risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease and mesothelioma. These diseases are often caused by exposure to long-term substances like coal dust, oil and other chemicals used in the workplace. The symptoms of the disease are wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. In certain cases scarring of the lungs stops oxygen from reaching the bloodstream and could lead to death if it's severe enough.
Asthma occurs in the airways (bronchial tubes) which carry oxygen into and out of the lung. When something triggers symptoms, the membrane that lines these tubes expands, and the muscles around the tubes contract. This narrows airways and mucus fills them. Breathing becomes more difficult. Symptoms can occur before, during or after exercise, or at rest. They can include chest tightness, a persistent dry cough, wheezing, and breathlessness.
Smoking cigarettes and taking certain medications can cause this condition. People with a history of allergies are also more likely to develop asthma. If you suffer from an autoimmune condition like celiac disease or thyroid disease, can increase your risk. You're more likely to develop this condition whether you're a female or black.
Understanding the progression of the disease is crucial to make a proper diagnosis. Railroad workers who experience symptoms could be eligible to receive benefits under the Black Lung Program, or other workers' compensation programs.
million settlement could enable a former or current railroad worker to claim compensation for virtually any negative impact of their illness at work, including past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings and non-economic losses such as pain, suffering and emotional anguish.
Working on a train, train station or other railway infrastructure can expose employees to a high risk of physical injury due to equipment malfunctions or accidents. However, the work may also trigger other health complications, such as asthma-related chronic illness which restricts an employee's ability to work or even leave the house. A New York railroad asthma lawyer can help injured workers know their rights and obtain the benefits they deserve.
If you are a railroad worker who has been diagnosed with a chronic asthma condition Contact an New York railroad asthma attorney today to schedule a consultation. Even an asthma attack that is not severe can significantly limit your daily activities and force you to retire earlier therefore it's worth getting the professional help you need.