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 mesothelioma, laryngeal and cancer of the lary.
Valdez asserts in his lawsuit that he developed laryngeal cancer as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals at BNSF. This is a fact-based issue that needs to be resolved by the jury.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that affects the mesothelium that forms the body's organs and tissues. Exposure to asbestos is the reason. Railroad workers have been 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 present in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railroad engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on its type and stage. Patients with pleural cancer suffer chest pain (pleural effusions), fluid buildup in the lungs and abdomen, and breathing difficulties. Patients with peritoneal cancer could suffer from fatigue, weight loss or stomach pain. Testicular mesothelioma can trigger fatigue, swelling of the lymph glands, or a loss in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma may get worse over time.
After being exposed to asbestos, a number of railroad employees were diagnosed with mesothelioma. railroad lawsuit settlements were able to recover compensation from their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act allows railroad employees to submit an FELA claim when they've suffered an injury on the job. They have three years from the date of their diagnosis to bring a lawsuit against their employer. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as you can after a diagnosis. It is more difficult to prove that a work exposure caused illness than other illnesses that are related to work.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a high chance of developing cancer as they work with dangerous chemicals and toxic substances on every day. The toxic substances include asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens.
These chemicals can lead to lung and throat cancer. Workers are exposed to these substances during train repairs and working around yards or tracks of railroads, and while removing old asbestos.
According to research, even a brief exposure to these toxic substances can lead to cancer. Asbestos, a common component in a variety of railroad engines is the most well-known toxic substance to cause mesothelioma, but other cancers such as esophageal cancer 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.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer because of your job, it's vital that you find an knowledgeable FELA lawyer. FELA laws allow past or current railroad employees to sue their employers for injuries resulting from negligence while on the job. Contact us for a no-cost consultation if you have questions regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit. Our lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of railroad workers as well as their families. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims and their families.
Head Cancer
Railroad workers working outside are exposed to a range of dangerous chemicals. Some of these can cause cancer, including head cancer. While some cancers require prolonged exposure, even a brief exposure to carcinogenic chemicals may increase the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is a type of head cancer which occurs when tumors develop in the voice box. This kind of cancer can be difficult to treat, however it can be successfully treated if it is caught early. To prevent the spread of cancer, it is crucial that a person who has been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer go through frequent follow-up appointments. These visits will determine if the cancer has spread to the larynx or other parts of the body.
After years of working on trains and other parts, many railroad workers are diagnosed as having mesothelioma. While some people have criticized those who work for them for suing for a "dying industry,"" mesothelioma lawsuits can hold accountable companies that blatantly disregard the health and well-being for dedicated railway workers to make profits. Mesothelioma suits also help families get the financial help they need after an asbestos diagnosis. You may seek compensation for medical costs and lost income. Compensation for mesothelioma can also be used to cover funeral expenses and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that starts in the throat or larynx. It is typically caused by smoking or drinking excessively. Laryngeal cancer is usually treated with radiation therapy and surgery. In some cases chemotherapy may be required.
The first step in identifying laryngeal cancer is a physical examination. Your doctor will employ a scope or mirror to look at your larynx and throat. If they find a lump or abnormal tissue they will take a biopsy of the tissue to test for cancer cells.
A CT scan or an MRI of the neck and head can help doctors determine the size of the tumor or any lymph nodes that are enlarged in the neck. PET scans can be used to determine whether the cancer has been able to spread.
The general survival rates for these types of cancer depend on the stage of the tumor. Early laryngeal carcinoma, when the cancer isn't large and isn't spreading to the vocal cords or other tissues is a better chance of remission than advanced tumors. Our firm has represented railroad workers who developed laryngeal cancer due to their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhausts from locomotive engines. They may be entitled to compensation for their losses.