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 as well as lung cancer and laryngeal cancer.
Valdez asserts in his lawsuit that he developed laryngeal carcinoma from exposure to toxic chemicals at BNSF. This is a fact intensive issue that must be resolved by a jury.
Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma cancer is cancer that affects the mesothelium which covers the organs and tissues of the body. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Railroad workers were exposed to asbestos while working on cargo cars, locomotives, and other machinery. They could be exposed through diesel exhaust that is located in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railroad engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ depending on its type and stage. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma generally suffer from chest pain, fluid accumulation (pleural effusions) in the abdomen or lungs, and breathing difficulties. Patients with peritoneal cancer may suffer from fatigue, weight loss or stomach discomfort. Testicular mesothelioma may cause fatigue, swelling of the lymph glands or a decrease in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma can get worse with time.
Many railroad workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma following being exposed to asbestos. They were able to obtain compensation from their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act allows railroad workers to file an FELA claim if they've suffered an injury while on the job. The employee has three years to file a suit against the employer beginning from the date they were diagnosed. It is vital to seek legal assistance whenever possible following diagnosis. It is more difficult to prove the illness was the result of exposure to railroads in the workplace than other work-related illnesses.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at an increased risk of developing cancer because of their daily exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals. Toxins include asbestos and diesel exhaust, as well as other carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause throat and lung cancer. These chemicals can be consumed by train repair workers as well as when working around yards and tracks of railroads as well as when removing old asbestos.
Even a small amount of exposure can cause cancer, according to research. Asbestos, which is a frequent component in a variety of railroad engines, is the most well-known toxin to cause mesothelioma, but other cancers, such as esophageal carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma are also related to it. Benzene, a chemical found in crude oil, can be released by railroad operations, potentially exposing railroad workers to cancer.
If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with cancer due to your job, it's vital that you find an skilled FELA lawyer. FELA laws allow past or current railroad workers to file lawsuits against their employers for injuries caused by negligent behavior during their work. Contact us for a no-cost consultation if you have any questions regarding the possibility of filing an action. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured railroad workers and their families. We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for the victims and their families.
Head Cancer
Rail workers working outdoors are exposed to a range of dangerous chemicals. Certain of these chemicals could cause cancer including head cancer. While some cancers require prolonged exposure, even brief exposure to carcinogenic chemicals could increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal carcinoma is a kind of head cancer that develops when tumors form in the voice box (larynx). This type of cancer is difficult to treat, but it is treatable if it is caught early. It is crucial to conduct regular check-ups with a person diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. This will help to prevent the spread of cancer. These visits will help determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body or the larynx.
After years of working in trains and other components, many railroad workers are diagnosed as having mesothelioma. Some have accused railroad workers of suing the industry as a "dying" industry, but mesothelioma suits can be held accountable by companies who ignore the health and wellbeing of their employees to pursue profits. Mesothelioma suits can also help families get the financial help they require following an asbestos diagnosis. This could include seeking compensation for medical expenses as well as loss of income. Furthermore, mesothelioma compensation might also be used to cover funeral costs and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a form of cancer of the neck and head that develops in the larynx, also known as the throat. It is typically caused by smoking and drinking in excess. Laryngeal cancer is typically treated with radiation therapy and surgery. In some instances, chemotherapy may also be needed.
The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is to perform a physical examination. Your doctor will employ the use of a microscope or mirror to examine your throat and larynx. If they find an abnormal or lumpy tissue they will take a biopsy to test for cancer.
A CT scan or MRI of the head and neck can help doctors determine the extent of a tumor as well as any larger nodes in the throat. class action lawsuit against railroads can be used to determine if the cancer has progressed.
The overall survival rate for these cancers is contingent on the stage of tumor. Laryngeal carcinoma that is early, meaning the cancer is not large and hasn't spread to the vocal cords or other tissues has a higher chance of remission than advanced tumors. Our firm has represented railroad workers who have suffered from laryngeal cancer because of their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos on locomotive engines. They could be entitled to compensation for their losses.