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 mesothelioma, lung cancer, 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 fact-based issue that needs to be resolved by a jury.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the mesothelium, which lines the body's organs and tissues. Exposure to asbestos is the reason. Railroad workers have been exposed to asbestos while working on cargo cars, locomotives, and other equipment. They also may have been exposed to diesel exhaust, which is found in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railway engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the type and stage. Patients with pleural mesothelioma usually experience chest pain, fluid buildup (pleural effusions) in the abdomen or lungs, and breathing difficulties. Patients with peritoneal cancer could experience fatigue, weight loss or stomach pain. Those with testicular mesothelioma might have a loss of appetite, swelling of glands or fatigue. The symptoms of mesothelioma could get worse with time.
A number of railroad employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos. They have been able to recover compensation from their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act allows railroad employees to make an FELA claim if they've suffered an injury while on the job. They have three years from the date of their diagnosis to make a claim against their employer. However, it is important to seek legal help immediately after diagnosis. It is harder to prove that a railroad workplace exposure triggered an illness than other illnesses that are related to work.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing cancer due to their constant exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals. Toxins include asbestos and diesel exhaust, as well as other carcinogens.
These chemicals can lead to lung and throat cancer. These substances can be ingested by workers during train repairs, while working around yards and tracks or when removing old asbestos.
Even a small amount of exposure can cause cancer, according to research. Asbestos is an element that is found in the majority of a variety of railroad engines and can cause mesothelioma. However, other cancers such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and esophageal carcinoma may also be connected. Benzene, a substance that is found in crude oils can be released by railroad operations, exposing railroad workers to cancer.
It is crucial to contact an experienced FELA attorney when you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer as a result of your work. FELA law allows railroad workers who have worked in the past or are currently employed, to sue their employers for injuries that were caused through negligence on the job. If you have questions about filing a claim, call us for a no-cost consultation. Our lawyers are committed to defending the rights and interests of injured railroad workers as well as their families. We have recovered millions in compensation for victims' families.
Head Cancer
Rail workers who work outdoors are exposed to a range of dangerous chemicals. Some of these can cause cancer, including head cancer. While some cancers can be caused through prolonged exposure, just a short exposure to carcinogenic chemicals can increase the chance of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is one form of head cancer, which develops when tumors form in the voice box. This type of cancer is difficult to treat but it can be treated successfully in the early stages. To stop the spread of cancer it is essential that a person who has been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer undergoes regular follow-up visits. These appointments will determine if the cancer has spread within the larynx or to other parts of the body.
Many railroad workers are diagnosed with mesothelioma and other cancers after years of working on trains and other aspects of the railway system. While some have criticized those who work for them for suing an industry that is "dying industry,"" mesothelioma lawsuits can hold accountable those that flagrantly disregarded the health and well-being of the dedicated railway workers in the pursuit of profit. Mesothelioma lawsuits also assist families get the financial support they need after an asbestos diagnosis. You are able to claim compensation for medical expenses and lost income. In addition, mesothelioma compensation could also be used to cover funeral costs and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of neck and head cancer that begins in the larynx, also known as the throat. It is usually caused by excessive drinking and smoking. Laryngeal cancer is typically treated with surgery and radiation therapy. In some instances, chemotherapy may also be needed.
The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is to perform a physical examination. Your doctor will utilize an instrument or a series of mirrors in order to examine your larynx and throat. If railroad lawsuit settlements spot any abnormality or lump, they will take a biopsy of the tissue to check for cancer cells.
A CT scan or MRI of the neck and head can help doctors determine the size of a tumor or any enlarged nodes in the throat. A PET scan can be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
The overall survival rate for these types of cancers varies on the stage of tumor. Laryngeal carcinoma that is early, meaning the cancer is not large 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 developed laryngeal cancer because of exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust on locomotive engines. They could be entitled to compensation for their losses.