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 employers for work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer and laryngeal cancer.
Valdez asserts in his lawsuit that he contracted laryngeal cancer as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals at BNSF. This is a fact-based matter that should be determined by a jury.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the body's organs as well as tissue. Exposure to asbestos is the cause. Railroad locomotives, freight cars, and other equipment have been exposed asbestos. They also may have been exposed to diesel exhaust, which is found in the ventilation systems of railroad engines and locomotives.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients with pleural mysothelioma tend to experience chest pain, fluid buildup (pleural effusions) in the abdomen or lungs, and breathing difficulties. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma could experience stomach pain, fatigue, or weight loss. Testicular mesothelioma can cause fatigue, swelling of the lymph glands, or a loss in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma could get worse as time passes.
After being exposed to asbestos, numerous railroad workers were diagnosed with mesothelioma. They were able recover compensation for their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers who have been injured in the course of their work to start an FELA lawsuit. The employee has three years to file a lawsuit against the employer starting from the date they were diagnosed. However, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as you can after diagnosis. It is more difficult to prove that a railway workplace exposure is the cause of illness than other work-related diseases.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing cancer because of their constant exposure to toxic and dangerous chemicals. The toxins include asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause lung and throat cancer. They can be inhaled by those working on train repairs as well as when working around yards and tracks of railroads as well as when removing asbestos.
Even a single 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 esophageal carcinoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma may also be connected. 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 member of your family has been diagnosed with cancer due to your work, it's imperative to find an experienced FELA lawyer. FELA laws allow railroad workers, past or present in their lawsuits against their employers for injuries caused by negligence while working. Contact us for a no-cost consultation if there are any concerns about filing an action. Our lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of railroad workers and their families. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for families of the victims.
Head Cancer
Rail workers who work outside are exposed to a variety of hazardous chemicals. Some of them can cause cancer, including head cancer. While some cancers require prolonged exposure, even a short exposure to carcinogenic chemicals may increase a worker's risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is one form of head cancer that develops when tumors form in the voice box. This type of cancer is often difficult to treat, but it can be successfully treated when it is detected early. It is crucial to conduct regular follow-ups for those diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma. This will help prevent the spread of the cancer. These visits will help determine if cancer has spread to the larynx, or to other parts of the body.
Many railway workers are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other forms of cancer following years of working on trains and other aspects of the railway system. Some people have accused these workers of suing an "dying" industry but mesothelioma suits could bring companies to account for those who ignore the health and wellbeing of railway workers who are dedicated to maximize profits. Furthermore, mesothelioma suits help families obtain the financial assistance they need to live the best possible life after an asbestos diagnosis. You are able to get compensation for medical expenses and lost income. Furthermore, mesothelioma compensation might also be used to pay funeral expenses and the loss of inheritance.
Laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer which begins in the throat or larynx. It is often caused by smoking and drinking excessively. Laryngeal cancer is usually treated with surgery and radiation therapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may be required.
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer. Your doctor will use a scope or series of mirrors to look at your throat and larynx. If they see a lump or abnormal tissue they will take a biopsy of the tissue to determine if cancer cells are present.
union pacific railroad lawsuit or an MRI of the head and neck could help doctors see the extent of the tumor, or any enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. PET scans can be used to determine if the cancer has been able to spread.
The overall survival rates for these kinds of cancer depend on the stage of the cancer. Early laryngeal carcinoma, when the cancer isn't large and hasn't spread to other vocal cords or tissues is more likely to be cured of cure than advanced tumors. Our firm has represented railroad employees who developed laryngeal cancer due to their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhausts from locomotive engines. They may be entitled compensation for their losses.