Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908 Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act, which allowed railroad workers to to sue their employers if they suffer work-related illnesses or injuries. This includes claims for mesothelioma as well as lung cancer and laryngeal cancer.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer due to exposure to toxic substances at BNSF's workplace. This is a thorny issue that must be decided by the jury.
Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma tumor is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the covering for organs and tissues of the body. Exposure to asbestos is the reason. Workers on railroad locomotives, freight cars, and other machinery have been exposed asbestos. They could be exposed through diesel exhaust that is found in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railroad engines.
Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients with pleural tumors experience chest pain (pleural effusions) and fluid accumulation in the lungs and abdomen and breathing difficulties. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma could suffer from stomach pain, fatigue or weight loss. Testicular mesothelioma may cause fatigue, swollen lymph glands, or a loss in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma could worsen over time.
After being exposed to asbestos, a number of railroad employees were diagnosed with mesothelioma. They were able to recover compensation for their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers who are injured while on the job to make a FELA lawsuit. The employee has three years to file a lawsuit against the employer beginning from the date of diagnosis. It is important to seek legal advice immediately after being diagnosed. It is harder to prove an illness was the result of railroad workplace exposure than other occupational illnesses.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a high risk of developing cancer because of their constant exposure to dangerous and toxic chemicals. Toxins include asbestos, diesel exhaust and other carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause throat and lung cancer. They can be inhaled by those working on train repairs or when working near yards and tracks of railroads or when removing old asbestos.
Even a single exposure can cause cancer, as per research. Asbestos, a component that is found in many railway engines is the most well-known toxic ingredient to cause mesothelioma, but other cancers, such as esophageal carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma are also associated with it. The benzene, a chemical found in crude oil, could also be released during railroad operations and could expose railroad workers to cancer.
It is essential to speak with an experienced FELA lawyer If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer due to your work. FELA laws permit railroad workers who have worked in the past or are currently employed as well as their employers to sue for injuries that were caused by negligence while working. Contact us for a free consultation if you have concerns about filing a lawsuit. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured railroad workers and their families. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for the victims and their families.
Head Cancer
Rail workers who work outside are exposed hazardous chemicals. Some of these chemicals may cause cancer including head cancer. Certain cancers require extended exposure, even brief exposure to carcinogenic chemicals can increase a worker's risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is a form of head cancer that occurs when tumors develop in the voice box. This kind of cancer can be difficult to treat, however it is treatable if it is caught early. To prevent Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements of cancer, it is vital that someone who has been diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma undergoes frequent follow-up visits. These visits will determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body or even the larynx.
Many railroad workers are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other types of cancer after years of working on trains as well as other parts of the railway system. Although some have criticized the workers for suing what they call an industry that is "dying industry," mesothelioma lawsuits can bring companies to account that blatantly disregard the health and wellbeing of dedicated railway workers to make profits. Mesothelioma lawsuits also assist families receive the financial assistance they require following an asbestos diagnosis. This could include seeking compensation for medical expenses and loss of income. Compensation for mesothelioma could also be used for funeral costs and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal carcinoma is a kind of head and neck cancer that starts in the larynx, or throat. It is most often caused by drinking excessively and smoking. Laryngeal cancer is usually treated by radiation therapy and surgery. In some cases chemotherapy may be required.
The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is a physical examination. Your doctor will use a scope or mirror to look at your throat and larynx. If they spot an abnormal or lumpy tissue it will be taken a biopsy of the area to check for cancer cells.
A CT scan or an MRI of the head and neck can aid doctors in determining the extent of the tumor or lymph nodes that have grown in size in the neck. PET scans can be used to determine whether the cancer has spread.
The overall survival rate for these cancers is dependent on the stage at which the tumor is. Early laryngeal cancer, where the cancer is still small and has not been able to spread to other tissues or the vocal cords, has a higher chance of being cured than tumors with advanced stages. Our firm has represented railroad employees who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer as a result from their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust on locomotive engines. They could be entitled to compensation for their losses.