Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908, Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which allows railroad employees to sue their employer for injuries and illnesses resulting from their work. This includes claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer and laryngeal cancer.
Valdez asserts in his lawsuit that he developed laryngeal cancer after exposure to toxic chemicals at BNSF. This is a fact-based issue that needs to be resolved by a 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 cause. Workers on railroad locomotives, freight cars, and other machinery have been exposed asbestos. They could also have been exposed by diesel exhaust which is found in the ventilation system of locomotives and railroad engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma generally suffer from chest pain, fluid buildup (pleural effusions) in the abdomen or lungs, and breathing difficulties. Patients with peritoneal tumors may suffer from fatigue, weight loss or stomach pain. Testicular mesothelioma patients may suffer from a loss of appetite, swelling of glands or fatigue. The symptoms of mesothelioma could get worse as time passes.
After being exposed to asbestos, a number of railroad workers were diagnosed with mesothelioma. They were able to collect compensation from their railroad employers.
blacklands railroad lawsuit (FELA) allows railroad workers who have been injured on the job to file an FELA lawsuit. They have three years from the date of their diagnosis to bring a lawsuit against their employer. However, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as you can after diagnosis. It is harder to prove an illness was a result of railroad workplace exposure than other work-related illnesses.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing cancer due to their constant exposure to dangerous and toxic chemicals. The toxic substances include asbestos, diesel exhaust and a variety of carcinogens.
These chemicals can lead to lung and throat cancer. Workers can be exposed to these substances during train repairs and working around railroad tracks or yards, and while removing old asbestos.
Even a brief exposure could cause cancer, according to research. Asbestos, a common component in a variety of railroad engines, is the most well-known toxic ingredient for mesothelioma. However other cancers, such as esophageal carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are also associated with it. The benzene, a chemical found in crude oil, can also be released during railroad operations, and could expose railroad workers to cancer.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer as a result of your job, it's important that you find an experienced FELA lawyer. FELA laws allow railroad employees whether they are present or past and present, to sue their employers for injuries caused through negligence on the job. If you have questions regarding filing a claim, call us for a no-cost consultation. Our attorneys are committed to defending the rights and interests of injured railroad workers as well as 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 them can cause cancer, including head cancer. Even though some cancers are caused through prolonged exposure, an exposure to carcinogenic chemicals can increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is a type of head cancer that occurs when tumors develop in the voice box. This kind of cancer is extremely difficult to treat, but can be successfully treated if caught early. It is crucial to conduct frequent follow-ups for a person diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma. This will aid in preventing the spread of cancer. These visits will help determine if cancer has spread to the larynx or other body parts.
After years of working in trains and other parts of the railroad, a lot of workers are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Although some have criticized the workers for suing an industry that is "dying industry," mesothelioma lawsuits can hold accountable companies who have blatantly neglected the health and well-being of dedicated railway workers in pursuit of profit. Mesothelioma lawsuits can also help families get the financial support they require following an asbestos diagnosis. This can include pursuing compensation for medical expenses as well as loss of income. Compensation for mesothelioma can also be used to cover funeral costs and inheritance losses.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer of the neck and head that begins in the larynx, also known as the throat. It is usually caused by excessive drinking and smoking. Laryngeal cancer is usually treated by surgery and radiation therapy. In certain instances, chemotherapy may also be required.
The first step to diagnose laryngeal cancer is a physical examination. Your doctor will use an instrument or mirror to look at your throat and larynx. If they spot any abnormality or lump, they will take an in-person biopsy of the tissue to determine if cancer cells are present.
A CT scan or an MRI of the head and neck can aid doctors in determining the size of the tumor or lymph nodes that are enlarged in the neck. A PET scan may be used to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
The general survival rates for these types of cancer depend on the stage of the tumor. Laryngeal carcinoma that is early, meaning the cancer is small and isn't spreading to other tissues or vocal cords has a higher chance of cure than tumors that are advanced. Our firm has represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer arising out of exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos on locomotive engines. They could be entitled to compensation for their losses.