Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908, Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) which allowed railroad employees to sue their employer for work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes claims for mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as laryngeal cancer.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer after exposure to toxic substances at BNSF's work. This is a complicated issue that must be decided by the jury.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form 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 locomotives, freight cars and other machinery have been exposed asbestos. They may be exposed through diesel exhaust that is located in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railroad engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are different based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients with pleural cancer experience chest pain (pleural effusions), fluid buildup in the lungs and abdomen, and breathing difficulties. class action lawsuit against union pacific railroad suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma could feel stomach pain, fatigue or weight loss. Testicular mesothelioma can cause fatigue, swollen lymph glands or a decrease in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma can get worse as time passes.
After being exposed to asbestos, many railroad employees were diagnosed with mesothelioma. They were able to obtain compensation from their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act allows railroad workers to make an FELA claim if they've suffered an injury on the job. 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 following a diagnosis. It is harder to prove that a railroad work exposure is the cause of illness than other diseases that are associated with work.
Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are at a higher risk for developing cancer because they are exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxic substances on daily basis. The toxic substances include asbestos diesel exhaust and a variety of carcinogens.
These chemicals can lead to throat and lung cancer. Workers may be exposed to these substances during train repairs and working around railroad tracks and yards, or when removing old asbestos.
According to research, even a brief exposure to these harmful substances can cause cancer. Asbestos, a component that is found in a variety of railroad engines, is the most well-known toxin for mesothelioma. However other cancers like esophageal tumors and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are also associated with it. The benzene compound, which is found in crude oil, can also be released during railroad operations and could expose railroad workers to cancer.
It's important to seek an experienced FELA attorney if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer as a result of your job. FELA laws permit railroad workers whether they are present or past, to sue their employers for injuries that were caused by negligence while working. If you have any questions about filing a claim, call us for a no-cost consultation. Our lawyers are committed to protecting 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.
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. While some cancers require prolonged exposure, even short exposure to carcinogenic chemicals could increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal Cancer is a type of head cancer which occurs when tumors form in the voice box. This type of cancer can be difficult to treat, but it can be treated successfully if it is caught early. To prevent the spread of cancer it is vital that anyone who has been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer go through frequent follow-up visits. These visits will determine if the cancer has spread within the larynx or other areas of the body.
After years of working on trains and other areas of the railroad industry, many railway workers are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Some have accused these workers of the right to sue the industry as a "dying" industry but mesothelioma suits could bring companies to account for those who ignore the health and well-being of dedicated railway workers to pursue profits. Mesothelioma lawsuits can also help families receive the financial aid they need after an asbestos diagnosis. You may get compensation for medical expenses and lost income. Moreover, mesothelioma compensation can also be used to pay 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 drinking and smoking in excess. Laryngeal cancer is usually treated through radiation therapy and surgery. In some instances, chemotherapy may be required.
The first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer is a physical examination. Your doctor will use a mirror or scope to look at your larynx and throat. If they spot an abnormal lump or tissue they will do an excision to look for cancer.
A CT scan or an MRI of the head and neck can aid doctors in determining the size of the tumor as well as any lymph nodes that have gotten larger in the neck. PET scans can be used to determine whether the cancer has been able to spread.
The overall survival rates for these types of cancer are based on the stage of the tumor. Early laryngeal cancer, in which the cancer is still small 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 carcinoma due to their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhausts from locomotive engines. They could be entitled to compensation for their losses.