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 employer for work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes claims for mesothelioma as well as lung cancer and laryngeal cancer. Valdez claims in his lawsuit that he contracted laryngeal cancer after exposure to toxic chemicals at BNSF. This is a complicated matter that needs to be settled on by the jury. Mesothelioma The mesothelioma tumor is a cancer that affects mesothelium, the layer of tissue that is the covering for organs and tissues of the body. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Workers on railroad locomotives, freight cars, and other equipment have been exposed asbestos. They might also have been exposed to diesel exhaust, which is found in the ventilation systems of locomotives and engines. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients with pleural cancer experience chest pain (pleural effusions) and fluid buildup in the lungs and abdomen as well as breathing problems. Patients with peritoneal cancer may feel stomach pain, fatigue or weight loss. Testicular mesothelioma is a cause of fatigue, swollen lymph glands or a decrease in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma might get worse over time. After being exposed to cancer lawsuit , many railroad employees were diagnosed with mesothelioma. They have been able to collect 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 an FELA lawsuit. The employee has three years to file a suit against the employer, starting from the time they were diagnosed. However, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as you can after diagnosis. It is more difficult to prove the illness was the result of railroad workplace exposure than other work-related illnesses. Lung Cancer Railroad workers are at a high risk of developing cancer due to their daily exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals. The toxic substances include asbestos, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens. These chemicals can lead to lung and throat cancer. Workers may be exposed to these substances while working on train repairs as well as when working around yards or tracks of railroads, and when removing asbestos from old. Even a single exposure can cause cancer, according to research. Asbestos is a common component of many railroad engines and can cause mesothelioma. However other cancers such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or esophageal carcinoma could also be related. The benzene chemical, which can be found in crude oil, can also be released during railroad operations and could expose railroad workers to cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer due to your work, it's imperative to seek out an expert FELA lawyer. FELA laws permit railroad workers who have worked in the past or are currently employed in their lawsuits against their employers for injuries that were caused due to negligence while on the job. Contact us for a no-cost consultation if you have questions about filing a lawsuit. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of railroad workers and their families. We have recovered millions in compensation for families of victims. Head Cancer Rail workers who work outside are exposed to a variety of dangerous chemicals. Some of these can cause cancer, such as head cancer. Although some cancers require long exposure, even brief exposure to carcinogenic chemicals could increase the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer. Laryngeal cancer is a type of head cancer that manifests when tumors grow in the voice box (larynx). This type of cancer is extremely difficult to treat, however it is treatable when caught early. To stop the spread of cancer it is vital that a person who has been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer go through frequent follow-up visits. These visits will determine whether the cancer has spread within the larynx, or to other parts of the body. After years of work in trains and other parts of the railroad industry, many railway workers are diagnosed as having mesothelioma. Some people have accused these workers of being sued by the industry as a dying industry however mesothelioma lawsuits can be held accountable by companies who ignore the health and well-being of their employees to pursue profits. In addition, mesothelioma lawsuits assist families receive the financial aid they need to live the best lives possible after an asbestos diagnosis. You may claim compensation for medical expenses and lost income. Compensation for mesothelioma can also be used for funeral costs and lost inheritance. Laryngeal cancer Laryngeal cancer is a type of neck and head cancer that starts in the throat or larynx. It is typically caused by drinking and smoking excessively. Laryngeal cancers are usually treated with radiation therapy and surgery. In union pacific railroad lawsuit may also be required. The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is to perform a physical exam. Your doctor will use a scope or mirror to examine your larynx and throat. If they discover an abnormal or lumpy tissue they will perform a biopsy to test for cancer. A CT scan or MRI of the head and neck 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 spread. The overall survival rates for these kinds of cancer depend on the stage of the tumor. Early laryngeal cancer, where the cancer is still in its early stages and has not been able to spread to other tissues or the vocal cords, has a better cure rate than tumors that are advanced. Our firm has represented railroad employees who developed laryngeal carcinoma as a result from their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos on locomotive engines. They may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
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