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.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer from exposure to toxic substances at BNSF's workplace. This is a fact intensive issue that needs to be resolved by the jury.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium that is the body's organs as well as tissue. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause. Railroad locomotives, freight cars, and other machinery have been exposed asbestos. They might also have been exposed to diesel exhaust, which can be 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 with pleural mysothelioma tend to suffer from chest pain, fluid accumulation (pleural effusions) in the abdomen or lungs, and difficulty breathing. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer might suffer from fatigue, weight loss or stomach discomfort. Testicular mesothelioma can trigger swelling of lymph glands, fatigue or a decrease in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma may get worse over time.
Many railroad employees have been diagnosed with mesothelioma following 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 are injured on the job to submit a FELA lawsuit. The employee has three years to file a lawsuit against the employer beginning from the day they were diagnosed. It is important to seek legal advice immediately following a diagnosis. It is harder to prove an illness was a result of exposure to a railroad work environment than other occupational illnesses.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a high chance of developing cancer because they are exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxic substances on a daily basis. The toxic substances include asbestos, diesel exhaust and various carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause throat and lung cancer. Workers may be exposed these chemicals during repairs to trains or working near yards or tracks of railroads, and when they are removing old asbestos.
According to blacklands railroad lawsuit , even a short exposure to these toxic substances can cause cancer. Asbestos, a component that is found in many railway engines is the most well-known toxic ingredient to cause mesothelioma, but other cancers like esophageal cancer and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma are also related to it. Benzene, a substance that is found in crude oils can be released by railroad operations, which exposes railroad workers to cancer.
If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with cancer as a result of your job, it's important to find an skilled FELA lawyer. FELA laws permit past or current railroad employees to file lawsuits against their employers for injuries caused by negligent conduct during their work. Contact us for a free consultation if you have concerns about the possibility of filing a lawsuit. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured railroad workers and their families. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims and their families.
Head Cancer
Rail workers working outdoors are exposed to a range of dangerous chemicals. Certain of these chemicals could cause cancer including head cancer. Although some cancers require long exposure, even a short exposure to carcinogenic chemicals may increase a worker's risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal cancer is a form of head cancer that occurs when tumors grow in the voice box (larynx). This type of cancer is difficult to treat however it is treatable when detected early. To prevent the spread of cancer, it is essential that a person who has been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer undergoes frequent follow-up appointments. These appointments will determine if the cancer has spread within the larynx as well as to other parts of the body.
Many railroad workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other types of cancer after years of working on trains and other parts of the railway system. While some have criticised the workers for suing an industry that is "dying industry,"" mesothelioma lawsuits can bring companies to account that flagrantly disregarded the health and well-being of the dedicated railway workers in pursuit of profit. Moreover, mesothelioma lawsuits help families receive the financial aid they require to live the best lives possible after an asbestos diagnosis. This could include seeking compensation for medical expenses as well as loss of income. Compensation for mesothelioma may also be used for funeral expenses and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal Cancer is a kind of head and neck cancer which starts in the throat or larynx. It is most often caused by smoking and drinking in excess. Laryngeal carcinoma is typically treated by surgery and radiation therapy. In some cases chemotherapy may be necessary.
A physical examination is the primary step in determining if you have laryngeal cancer. Your doctor will employ the scope or a series of mirrors in order to examine your throat and larynx. If they find an abnormal lump or tissue they will perform the procedure of a biopsy to check for cancer.
A CT scan or an MRI of the head and neck can help doctors determine the size of the tumor or lymph nodes that have gotten larger in the neck. A PET scan can also be used to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
The general survival rates for these kinds of cancer depend on the stage of the tumor. Early laryngeal cancer, in which the cancer is still in its early stages and has not been able to spread to other tissues or vocal cords, has a higher cure rate than tumors that have advanced. Our firm has represented railroad workers who developed laryngeal cancer arising out of exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos on locomotive engines. They may be entitled compensation for their losses.