Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908, Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which allowed railroad workers to sue their employers for injuries and illnesses resulting from their work. This includes claims for lung cancer, mesothelioma, and laryngeal cancer.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer due to exposure to toxic substances in BNSF's workplace. This is a fact intensive issue that must be resolved by the jury.
Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium which is the covering for organs and tissues of the body. Exposure to asbestos is the reason. Railroad workers were exposed to asbestos while working on cargo cars, locomotives, and other machinery. They could also have been exposed to diesel exhaust, which is found in the ventilation systems of railroad engines and locomotives.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients with pleural cancer experience chest pain (pleural effusions) and fluid accumulation in the abdomen and lungs and breathing difficulties. Patients with peritoneal cancer may feel fatigued, lose weight or stomach pain. Testicular mesothelioma patients may suffer from a loss of appetite, swollen glands or fatigue. The symptoms of mesothelioma may get worse over time.
Many railroad employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma following 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 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 essential to seek legal advice as soon as you can after receiving a diagnosis. It is harder to prove an illness was a result of railroad workplace exposure as opposed to other illnesses that are related to work.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing cancer because they work with hazardous chemicals and toxic substances on daily basis. The toxins include asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause throat and lung cancer. Workers can be exposed to these substances during train repairs, working around yards or tracks of railroads, and when they are removing old asbestos.
Even a small amount of exposure can cause cancer, as per research. Asbestos, a common component in a variety of railroad engines, is the most well-known toxic substance for mesothelioma. However other cancers, such as esophageal carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may be associated with it. The chemical Benzene that is found in crude oils, can be released by railroad operations, exposing railroad workers to cancer.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer because of your work, it's imperative that you seek out an knowledgeable FELA lawyer. FELA laws permit railroad workers whether they are present or past and present, to sue their employers for injuries that were caused through negligence on the job. Contact us for a no-cost consultation if there are any questions regarding the possibility of filing an action. Our attorneys are committed to defending 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
Rail workers who work outdoors are exposed to a range of dangerous chemicals. Certain chemicals can cause cancer including head cancer. Even though some cancers are caused by exposure for a long time, the smallest exposure to carcinogenic substances can increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Laryngeal cancer is one type of head cancer that manifests when tumors form in the voice box (larynx). This type of cancer is extremely difficult to treat, however it is treatable if caught early. To prevent the spread of cancer it is crucial that someone who has been diagnosed with laryngeal tumors undergoes frequent follow-up visits. These visits will help determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or even the larynx.
After years of work in trains and in other parts of the railroad, a lot of workers are diagnosed with mesothelioma. While some have criticised those who work for them for suing for a "dying industry," mesothelioma lawsuits can hold accountable businesses who have blatantly neglected the health and well-being of the dedicated railway workers to make profits. Additionally, mesothelioma lawsuits can help families receive the financial aid they require to live the best possible lives following an asbestos diagnosis. This can include pursuing compensation for medical expenses as well as loss of income. Compensation for mesothelioma could also be used for funeral costs and inheritance losses.
Laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer which begins in the throat or larynx. It is typically caused by smoking or drinking excessively. Laryngeal cancer is typically treated by surgery and radiation therapy. In certain instances chemotherapy may be required.
A physical examination is the initial step to determine if you have laryngeal carcinoma. Your doctor will employ the use of a microscope or mirror to examine your larynx and throat. If they find any abnormality or lump, they will do an examination to determine if you have cancer.
A CT scan or MRI of the neck and head can assist doctors in determining the extent of a tumor as well as any enlarged nodes in the throat. PET scans can be used to determine if the cancer has taken on a new form.
railroad cancer lawsuit for these types of cancers varies on the stage at which the tumor is. Laryngeal cancer in the early stages, when the cancer is still small and has not expanded to other tissues or vocal cords, usually has a better cure rate than tumors with advanced stages. Our firm has represented railroad employees who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer as a result from their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhausts from locomotive engines. They may be entitled compensation for their losses.