Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908, Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which allows railroad employees to sue their employers for work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer and laryngeal cancer.
Valdez asserts in his lawsuit that he contracted laryngeal carcinoma from exposure to toxic chemicals at BNSF. This is a fact intensive issue that should be decided by a jury.
Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma cancer is a cancer that affects mesothelium, the layer of tissue that covers the organs and tissues of the body. Exposure to asbestos is the reason. Railroad locomotives, freight cars, and other equipment have been exposed asbestos. They may also have been exposed to asbestos through diesel exhaust that is located in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railroad engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are different based on the type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients with pleural mesothelioma typically suffer from chest pain, fluid accumulation (pleural effusions) in the abdomen or lungs and difficulty breathing. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma might suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, or weight loss. Those with testicular mesothelioma might have a loss of appetite, swollen glands or fatigue. The symptoms of mesothelioma can get worse with time.
Many railroad employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos. They were able, in some cases, to receive compensation from their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers who have been injured in the course of their work to file a FELA lawsuit. They have three years from the date of their diagnosis to make a claim against their employer. It is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as you can after being diagnosed. It is harder to prove an illness was the result of railroad workplace exposure than other work-related illnesses.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher risk of developing cancer because of their daily exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals. The toxic substances include asbestos diesel exhaust and various carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause lung and throat cancer. These chemicals can be consumed by workers during train repairs, while working around yards and railroad tracks as well as when removing asbestos.
According to studies, even a short exposure to these toxic substances can cause cancer. Asbestos, a common component in many locomotives is the most well-known toxic ingredient that causes mesothelioma. However, other cancers, such as esophageal carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's lupus are also associated with it. The benzene chemical, which can be found in crude oil, may also be released during railroad operations, and could expose railroad workers to cancer.
It is essential to speak with an experienced FELA lawyer when you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer due to your job. FELA law allows railroad workers whether they are present or past, to sue their employers for injuries caused through negligence on the job. Contact us for a free consultation if you have questions about the possibility of filing an action. Our attorneys are dedicated to defending the rights and interests of injured railroad workers as well as their families. We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for the victims and their families.
class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad who work outside are exposed of dangerous chemicals. Some of these can cause cancer, including head cancer. While some cancers require prolonged exposure, even short exposure to carcinogenic chemicals could increase a worker's risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is a form of head cancer, which develops when tumors form in the voice box. This type of cancer is often difficult to treat, but it is treatable if it is caught early. To prevent the spread of cancer it is vital that someone who has been diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma undergoes frequent follow-up visits. These check-ups will determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or to the larynx.
After many years of working in trains and other areas of the railroad, a lot of workers are diagnosed as having mesothelioma. While some have criticized the workers for suing what they call a "dying industry," mesothelioma lawsuits can hold accountable businesses that flagrantly disregarded the health and wellbeing of dedicated railway workers in pursuit of profit. Mesothelioma lawsuits can also help families get the financial support they require following an asbestos diagnosis. You are able to get compensation for medical expenses and lost income. Moreover, mesothelioma compensation can also be used to pay for funeral costs and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer can be described as a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the throat, or larynx. It is typically caused by smoking and drinking excessively. Laryngeal cancer is usually treated through surgery and radiation therapy. In some cases chemotherapy may be necessary.
The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is to perform a physical exam. Your doctor will use a scope or series of mirrors to inspect your larynx and throat. If they see a lump or abnormal tissue they will perform an excision to look for cancer.
A CT scan or an MRI of the neck and head can help doctors determine the size of the tumor as well as any lymph nodes that are enlarged in the neck. A PET scan may also be used to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
The overall survival rates for these types of cancer are based on the stage of the cancer. Laryngeal cancer that is early, meaning that the cancer is still small and has not been able to spread to other tissues or vocal cords, typically has a higher chance of being cured than tumors that have advanced. Our firm has represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer because of exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust on locomotive engines. They could be entitled to compensation for their losses.