Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908 Congress adopted the Federal Employers Liability Act, which allowed railroad workers to sue their employer if they suffer from work-related illness or injuries. This includes claims for lung cancer, laryngeal and mesothelioma.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer due to exposure to toxic substances at the BNSF workplace. This is a fact-based issue that must be resolved by a jury.
Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma cancer is cancer that affects the mesothelium which is the covering for organs and tissues of the body. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos. Railroad workers were exposed to asbestos while working on cargo cars, locomotives and other machinery. They could 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 differ based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients with pleural tumors experience chest pain (pleural effusions) and fluid accumulation in the abdomen and lungs and breathing difficulties. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience stomach pain, fatigue, or weight loss. Testicular mesothelioma can cause fatigue, swollen lymph glands, or a loss in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma can get worse over time.
After being exposed to asbestos, a number of 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 are injured while on the job to start a FELA lawsuit. They have three years from the date of their diagnosis to file a lawsuit against their employer. It is vital to seek legal assistance whenever possible following diagnosis. It is harder to prove that a work exposure is the cause of illness than other work-related diseases.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher risk for developing cancer because they are exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxic substances on a every day. The toxic substances include asbestos, diesel exhaust and other carcinogens.
These chemicals can lead to throat and lung cancer. They can be inhaled by train repair workers, while working around yards and tracks, or when removing old asbestos.
Even a single exposure can cause cancer, as per research. Asbestos, a common component in many railroad engines, is the most well-known toxic substance that causes mesothelioma. However, other cancers, such as esophageal carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma are also associated with it. Benzene, a substance found in crude oil, can be released by railroad operations, exposing railroad workers to cancer.
It is important to consult an experienced FELA lawyer when you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer due to your work. FELA laws allow past or current railroad employees to sue their employers for injuries resulting from negligent behavior during their work. Contact us for a no-cost consultation if you have any concerns about filing an action. Our attorneys are committed to protecting the rights and interests of 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 of hazardous chemicals. Some of them may cause cancer, including head cancer. While lawsuits against union pacific railroad require a long exposure, even brief exposure to carcinogenic chemicals could increase the chance of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is a type of head cancer that occurs when tumors develop in the voice box. This type of cancer is difficult to treat however it is treatable when detected early. It is vital to have regular check-ups on a patient diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. This will help prevent the spread of the cancer. These visits will help determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or even the larynx.
After years of working in trains and other areas of the railroad, a lot of workers are diagnosed as having mesothelioma. Some people have accused them of suing the industry as a "dying" industry but mesothelioma lawsuits could make companies accountable for their actions that ignore the health and wellbeing of railway workers who are dedicated to make profits. Mesothelioma lawsuits can also help families get the financial help they need after an asbestos diagnosis. You can claim compensation for medical expenses and lost income. In addition, mesothelioma compensation could also be used to pay for funeral costs and loss of inheritance.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer is a type of neck and head cancer that begins in the throat or larynx. Most often, it is caused by excessive drinking and smoking. Laryngeal cancers are usually treated with radiation therapy and surgery. In some instances chemotherapy might also be required.
The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is a physical exam. Your doctor will utilize a scope or series of mirrors to examine your throat and larynx. If they detect an abnormality or lump and take an in-person biopsy of the tissue to determine if cancer cells are present.
A CT scan or MRI of the neck and head can help doctors determine the extent of a tumor as well as any increased nodes in the throat. A PET scan may also be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
The overall survival rates for these types of cancer depend on the stage of the tumor. Early laryngeal cancer, in which the cancer is still small and has not developed into other tissues or the vocal cords, has a higher cure rate than advanced tumors. Our firm has represented railroad workers who were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer arising out of exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust on locomotive engines. They may be entitled to compensation for their losses.