5 Railroad Settlement Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Lessons Learned From Professionals
Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in their workplaces. Some workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other ailments as a result of their exposures.
In a case filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, our attorneys were able to secure the summary judgment of a large railroad carrier. Plaintiff alleged his cancer was caused by exposure to creosote, diesel exhaust, and asbestos.
Risk Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements of cancer that develops in an individual's esophagus can be determined through many factors. These risk factors could be capable of being altered however others such as age or family history cannot. The most common type of esophageal cancer begins in the flat cells that compose the majority of the lining of the esophagus, called squamous cells. It is more prevalent in males and blacks, however the trend is decreasing across the globe.
The esophagus is home to glandular cells that produce mucus, which aids in the movement of food items from the mouth to the stomach. These cells are located near the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas are the most frequent kind of esophageal tumors that are found in these cells. They're more common in men and black individuals, but the trend is declining in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases with the amount of time spent smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol. Consuming a lot of alcohol over a long time increases the chance of developing squamous-cell carcinoma and a variety of beverages are linked with this cancer throughout the world which includes tea that is brewed in Northern China, Brandie whiskey in the US and Europe, beer in Southern Africa, and distilled drinks in Latin America.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to toxins that increase their risk of contracting cancer of the esophagus, for example solvents used in cleaning equipment and herbicides sprayed along rail tracks to deter weed growth such as lead paint on railway bridges and facilities as well as exhaust fumes from diesel engines and silica from industrial materials. This cancer can also be caused by the toxic chemical creosote, which is used to treat railroad tie.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis that is made early can increase the chance of survival. This is because esophageal carcinoma is more curable when it is in its early stages and has not spread to other organs. Early signs include difficulty swallowing, a loss of appetite and weight loss, coughing or hoarseness in the chest, chest pain, and the feeling that food is stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
A physician may detect esophageal tumors using imaging tests. These may include an upper gastrointestinal test using a barium swallow. The test involves swallowing harmless liquid that coats the esophagus' inner surface and make it visible on an X-ray. The doctor might also request blood tests to determine if there is anemia or to determine how the liver functions.
Railroad employees who are diagnosed with esophageal tumors may be entitled to compensation from the railroad companies which exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. A trained railroad esophageal carcinoma attorney can assess the situation of a person and provide the rights to claim financial compensation in accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer could begin in order to gather evidence that the stomach cancer was the result of their work-related exposure to asbestos as well as diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. A lawyer can also help in determining the proper amount of compensation for economic and non-economic losses.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed to a number harmful substances including creosote and diesel exhaust, asbestos, and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal carcinoma by irritating the lining of your throat. Railroad workers are also at higher risk of developing other diseases related to their work including mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
The esophagus, also known as the hollow muscular tube connects the mouth to the stomach. It is a conduit for liquids and food that has been taken in to the digestive tract. Esophageal carcinoma occurs in the cells that line the lining of stomach, also known as mucosa.
Esophageal cancer can be treated in various ways. Surgery is typically combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Doctors may opt for either endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers at stage I. Both procedures are minimally-invasive, and do not require the removal of the esophagus. During these treatments doctors use an endoscope to take out cancerous tissue and look for the signs of cancer.
For cancers of stage II, doctors can choose to use chemo or an amalgamation of chemo and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs target cancerous cells and destroy them. Radiation utilizes X-rays with high energy instead of a similar approach to kill cancerous cells within the esophagus. If the tumor is located in the upper region of the stomach, some patients might be treated with chemotherapy instead of radiation.
Prognosis
Patients with esophageal cancer that is not spreading are generally thought to be in good health. This is especially true when cancer is discovered in its early stages and treated promptly.
The prognosis for a person depends on the type of cancer they have and their stage of cancer at the time they are diagnosed. A person who has squamous-cell cancer that hasn't gotten any bigger is expected to have a better chance of survival than a patient with adenocarcinoma.
In certain cases the doctor may be able to eradicate the tumor completely through surgery. Resection is the term used to describe this. It is most prevalent in squamous-cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas that haven't spread.
Federal Employers Liability Act may provide financial compensation to railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that are related to their work. If you believe your illness is due to exposure at work, speak with an experienced railroad cancer settlement attorney immediately. Under FELA it is possible to file a claim within three years to make an claim. However, if you did not realize that your illness or cancer was related to your job at the time of diagnosis, the time of limitations may be extended. An attorney who is experienced with FELA claims could review your situation and determine if you should accept a first settlement offer.