Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908, Congress adopted the Federal Employers Liability Act, which allows railroad workers to sue their employers if they suffer work-related illnesses or injuries. This includes claims for mesothelioma as well as lung cancer and laryngeal cancer.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer due to exposure to toxic substances at BNSF's workplace. This is a thorny issue that must be decided by the jury.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium that is the body's organs as well as tissue. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos. Workers on railroad locomotives, freight cars, and other equipment have come in contact with asbestos. They may 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 type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma generally experience chest pain, fluid buildup (pleural effusions) in the abdomen or lungs, and difficulty breathing. Patients with peritoneal cancer could experience fatigue, weight loss or stomach pain. Patients with testicular mesothelioma may experience a loss in appetite, swelling of glands or fatigue. The symptoms of mesothelioma can worsen as time passes.
Many railroad employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after 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 when they have suffered an injury while working. The employee has three years to file a lawsuit against the employer from the time they were diagnosed. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as you can following a diagnosis. class action lawsuit against railroads is more difficult to prove that an illness was a result of exposure to railroads in the workplace than other illnesses related to work.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher chance of developing cancer as they work with dangerous chemicals and toxic substances on every day. The toxins include asbestos, diesel exhaust and other carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause throat and lung cancer. These chemicals can be consumed by workers during train repairs and when working near railroad tracks and yards, or when removing old asbestos.
Even a brief exposure could cause cancer, as per research. Asbestos, a component that is found in many railroad engines is the most well-known chemical that causes mesothelioma. However other cancers like esophageal cancer and non-Hodgkin's lupus are also connected to it. The benzene, which is found in crude oil, may 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 job, it's important that you seek out an knowledgeable FELA lawyer. FELA laws allow past or current railroad workers to sue their employers for injuries resulting from negligent behavior at work. Contact us for a no-cost consultation if you have concerns about filing an action. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of injured railroad workers as well as their families. We have recovered millions in compensation for families of victims.
Head Cancer
Railroad employees who work outdoors are exposed to a wide range of hazardous chemicals. Some of these can cause cancer, such as head cancer. While some cancers can be caused through prolonged exposure, just a short exposure to carcinogenic substances can increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is one form of head cancer which occurs when tumors begin to grow in the voice box. This type of cancer is extremely difficult to treat, but it can be treated successfully in the early stages. To stop the spread of cancer, it is vital that someone who has been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer undergoes frequent follow-up visits. These visits will determine whether the cancer has spread to the larynx, or to other parts of the body.
Many railroad workers are diagnosed with mesothelioma, or other cancers after years of working on trains as well as other parts of the railway system. Some people have accused them of taking on for a "dying" industry but mesothelioma lawsuits could make companies accountable for their actions that ignore the health and well-being of railway workers who are dedicated to make profits. Furthermore, mesothelioma suits help families get the financial support they require to lead the most fulfilling lives after an asbestos diagnosis. This can include pursuing compensation for medical expenses as well as loss of income. Moreover, mesothelioma compensation can also be used to cover funeral expenses and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal Cancer is a kind of neck and head cancer that begins in the throat or larynx. It is typically caused by smoking or drinking in excess. Laryngeal carcinoma is typically treated with radiation therapy and surgery. In some cases chemotherapy may be required.
The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is to perform a physical exam. Your doctor will employ a mirror or scope to look at your larynx and throat. If they find an abnormality or lump and take an in-person biopsy of the tissue to test for cancer cells.
A CT scan or an MRI of the head and neck can help doctors determine the size of the tumor or any lymph nodes that have gotten larger in the neck. A PET scan can be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
The general survival rates for these types of cancer are based on the stage of the tumor. Early laryngeal cancer, which occurs when the cancer is not large and hasn't spread to the vocal cords or other tissues, has a higher rate of cure than advanced tumors. Our firm has represented railroad employees who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer as a result from their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos on locomotive engines. They could be entitled to compensation for their losses.