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 employer for work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes claims for lung cancer, mesothelioma, and laryngeal cancer.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer from exposure to toxic substances at BNSF's work. This is a fact intensive issue that must be resolved by the jury.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium that is the body's organs as well as tissue. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos. Railroad workers were exposed to asbestos while working on locomotives, cargo cars and other machinery. They could also have been exposed due to diesel exhaust which is found in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railroad engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may vary based on the type and stage. Patients with pleural cancer experience chest pain (pleural effusions) and fluid buildup in the abdomen and lungs as well as breathing problems. Patients with peritoneal tumors may feel fatigued, lose weight or stomach discomfort. Testicular mesothelioma sufferers may have a loss of appetite, swelling glands or fatigue. The symptoms of mesothelioma can get worse with time.
A number of railroad employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to being exposed to asbestos. They were able to collect compensation from their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers who have been injured at work to submit a FELA lawsuit. They have three years from the date of their diagnosis to make a claim against their employer. It is essential to seek legal advice as soon as you can after receiving a diagnosis. It is more difficult to prove that a railway workplace exposure caused an illness than other occupational diseases.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at high risk of developing cancer because of their constant exposure to harmful and toxic chemicals. The harmful substances include asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause lung and throat cancer. Workers can be exposed to these substances while working on train repairs, working around railroad tracks or yards and when removing old asbestos.
Even a single exposure can cause cancer, according to research. Asbestos is a typical 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 lymphoma may be associated with it. Benzene, a chemical found in crude oils, can be released by railroad operations, exposing railroad workers to cancer.
It's important to seek an experienced FELA attorney if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer due to your job. FELA laws permit railroad workers whether they are present or past and present, to sue their employers for injuries caused due to negligence while on the job. Contact us for a free consultation if there are any questions about the possibility of filing an action. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of railroad workers and their families. We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for the victims and their families.
Head Cancer
Railroad workers who work outside are exposed to a variety of dangerous chemicals. Some of these chemicals may cause cancer, including head cancer. Although some cancers require long exposure, even short exposure to carcinogenic chemicals may increase the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal cancer is a type of head cancer that occurs when tumors develop in the voice box. This kind of cancer is often difficult to treat, but it can be treated successfully if it is caught early. To stop cancer lawsuits of cancer it is crucial that someone who has been diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma undergoes frequent follow-up appointments. These visits will determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, or the larynx.
After years of working in trains and other areas, many railroad workers are diagnosed as having mesothelioma. While some people have criticized the workers for suing what they call a "dying industry,"" mesothelioma lawsuits can hold accountable those who blatantly ignored the health and well-being of the dedicated railway workers in the pursuit of profit. In addition, mesothelioma lawsuits assist families receive the financial aid they require to lead the most fulfilling lives after an asbestos diagnosis. You can seek compensation for medical costs and lost income. Additionally, mesothelioma compensation may also be used to pay for funeral expenses and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal cancer can be described as a type of cancer of the neck and head which begins in the larynx, also known as the throat. It is usually caused by smoking or drinking excessively. Laryngeal cancer is usually treated with radiation therapy and surgery. In some cases chemotherapy may be needed.
The first step in identifying laryngeal cancer is a physical examination. Your doctor will utilize the scope or a series of mirrors to inspect your larynx and throat. If they spot any abnormality or lump it will be taken an in-person biopsy of the tissue to look for cancerous cells.
A CT scan or an MRI of the neck and head can aid doctors in determining the size of the tumor or any lymph nodes that have gotten larger in the neck. A PET scan may also be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
The general survival rates for these kinds of cancer are based on the stage of the tumor. Early laryngeal carcinoma, where the cancer is not large and hasn't spread to other vocal cords or tissues has a higher chance of cure than tumors that are advanced. Our firm has represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer arising out of exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos on locomotive engines. They may be entitled compensation for their losses.