Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908, Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which allows railroad workers to sue their employers for work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes claims for lung cancer, mesothelioma, and laryngeal cancer.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer as a result of exposure to toxic substances at the BNSF workplace. This is a difficult issue that must be decided on by the jury.
Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma cancer is cancer that affects mesothelium, the layer of tissue that protects the organs and tissues of the body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger the disease. Railroad workers were exposed to asbestos when working on cargo cars, locomotives, and other machinery. They may also have been exposed to asbestos through diesel exhaust which is found in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railroad engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on its type and stage. Patients with pleural mysothelioma tend to experience chest pain, fluid accumulation (pleural effusions) in the abdomen or lungs, and difficulty breathing. mesothelioma lawsuit suffering from peritoneal cancer might experience fatigue, weight loss or stomach discomfort. Those with testicular mesothelioma might have a loss of appetite, swelling glands or fatigue. The symptoms of mesothelioma might get worse over time.
A number of railroad employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to being exposed to asbestos. They were able to recover compensation for their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act allows railroad workers to file an FELA claim when they have suffered an injury on the job. They have three years from the date of their diagnosis to make a claim against their employer. It is vital to seek legal advice as soon as you can after diagnosis. It is more difficult to prove that the illness was the result of exposure to railroads in the workplace than other occupational illnesses.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a high chance of developing cancer because they are exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxic substances on a every day. The harmful substances include asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause lung and throat cancer. Workers can be exposed to these chemicals while working on repairs to trains, working around railroad tracks and yards, or while removing old asbestos.
Even a small amount of exposure can cause cancer, according to research. Asbestos is a common component of many railroad engines, and can cause mesothelioma. However other cancers such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or esophageal carcinoma could also be related. The chemical Benzene that is that is found in crude oils can be released by railroad operations, potentially exposing railroad workers to cancer.
It's important to seek an experienced FELA attorney when you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer due to your job. FELA laws allow railroad workers who have worked in the past or are currently employed and present, to sue their employers for injuries caused due to negligence while on the job. If you have questions about filing a claim, contact us for a free consultation. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured railroad workers and their families. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims and their families.
Head Cancer
Rail workers who work outside are exposed to many hazardous chemicals. Some of them can cause cancer, including head cancer. While some cancers require prolonged exposure, even a brief exposure to carcinogenic chemicals can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal carcinoma is a kind of head cancer that manifests when tumors grow in the voice box (larynx). This kind of cancer can be difficult to treat, however it can be successfully treated when it is detected early. It is essential to schedule regular follow-ups for those diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. This will help prevent the spread of cancer. These appointments will determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or the larynx.
Many railroad workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other forms of cancer after years of working on trains and other aspects of the railway system. Some have accused railroad workers of suing a "dying" industry but mesothelioma suits could hold companies accountable who disregard the health and well-being of railroad workers in order to maximize profits. Mesothelioma lawsuits can also help families get the financial support they need after an asbestos diagnosis. This could include seeking compensation for medical expenses and loss of income. Compensation for mesothelioma could be used to pay funeral costs and inheritance losses.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal Cancer is one of the types of head and neck cancer that begins in the throat or larynx. It is usually caused by smoking or drinking excessively. Laryngeal cancer is usually treated through radiation therapy and surgery. In certain instances chemotherapy may be necessary.
A physical examination is the initial step to diagnosing laryngeal carcinoma. Your doctor will use a mirror or scope to look at your throat and larynx. If they spot an abnormal lump or tissue they will do the procedure of a biopsy to check for cancer.
A CT scan or an MRI of the head and neck can aid doctors in determining the extent of the tumor or any lymph nodes that have gotten larger in the neck. PET scans can be used to determine if the cancer has been able to spread.
The overall survival rate for these cancers depends on the stage of tumor. Early laryngeal carcinoma, when the cancer isn't large and isn't spreading to other tissues or vocal cords has a higher chance of cure than more advanced tumors. Our firm has represented railroad workers who have suffered from laryngeal cancer as a consequence of their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos on locomotive engines. They may be entitled to compensation for their losses.