Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Rail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing substances in their workplace. Certain workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases as a consequence of their exposure to chemicals.
Our lawyers obtained a summary judgment in a case that was filed before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama on behalf of a large railroad company. Plaintiff alleged his cancer was caused by exposure to creosote, creosote exhaust and diesel. asbestos.
Risk Factors
Different factors can influence the type of cancer in the esophagus. Risk factors are adjustable however others such as the history of a family member or age can't. The most commonly encountered form of esophageal cancer starts in the flat cells, or squamous cell, that make up the majority of the lining that covers the esophagus. It's more common in men and black individuals, but this trend is decreasing worldwide.
The esophagus is also home to glandular cells which secrete mucus, which aids in the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are found in the lower esophagus, near the stomach. Adenocarcinomas are by far the most common type of esophageal tumours that can be found in these cells. The majority of these tumors can be found in men and in black individuals, but they're on the decline in the United States.
The risk of esophageal cancer for a person increases depending on the amount of time spent smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol. A long period of drinking alcohol for a prolonged time increases the likelihood of developing squamous-cell cancer. This includes brewed tea in Northern China and Brandie whisky in the US and Europe. Beer is also associated with the disease in Southern Africa and Latin America.
Railroad workers are exposed chemicals that increase the risk of esophageal carcinoma. These include solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides that are applied to rail tracks to stop the growth of plants, lead paints used on railway bridges, diesel exhaust fumes as well as silica that is found in industrial materials. The benzene found in creosote an extremely toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties, can also cause cancer.
Colon cancer lawsuit settlements can increase the likelihood of surviving. This is because esophageal cancer is more treatable when it is in the earlier stages and has not spread to other organs. The first signs are difficulty swallowing as well as weight loss, coughing, hoarseness and chest pain.
A doctor may be able to detect esophageal tumors using imaging tests. The tests can include an upper-gastrointestinal test using a drink of barium. This test involves swallowing a harmless liquid to coat the esophagus's inner surface, and then make it visible on an X-ray. The doctor may also order blood tests to determine if there is anemia, or to determine how the liver functions.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer may be entitled to compensation from railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. A qualified railroad esophageal esophageal cancer lawyer can review an individual's situation and define their rights to seek financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer can begin gathering evidence to show that the railroad worker's esophageal carcinoma was the result of their exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. An attorney can also assist in determining the right amount of compensation for economic and non-economic losses.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed many harmful substances, including asbestos, diesel exhaust and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal carcinoma by irritating the lining of your throat. Railroad workers are at greater risk of developing illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The esophagus is the hollow muscular tube that connects your mouth to the stomach and carries liquids and food particles that are swallowed into the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer can develop in the cells that compose the tissue of the esophagus or mucosa.
Esophageal cancer is treated in different ways. Surgery is usually combined chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Doctors can opt for either endoscopic submucosal disection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers of stage I. Both procedures are minimally invasive and do not require the removal of the esophagus. During these treatments doctors use an endoscope for the removal of cancerous tissue and test for the signs of cancer.
Multiple myeloma settlements may opt for chemo or a combination of chemo and radiation for stage II cancers. Multiple myeloma settlements attack cancer cells and eliminate them. Radiation utilizes X-rays with high energy instead of a similar method to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus. If the tumor is located in the upper part near the stomach, some patients might be treated with chemo instead radiation.
Prognosis
Patients with esophageal cancer that is not spreading is generally thought to be healthy. This is especially true if cancer is detected at an early stage, and treated promptly.
The prognosis for a person depends on the type of cancer they have and their stage of cancer at the moment they are diagnosed. For instance, a patient who has squamous cell cancer but has not metastasized, is expected to have a higher survival rate than a patient with adenocarcinoma that has not spread.
In some cases, the doctor may be able to eradicate the tumor completely through surgery. This is known as Resection. This is most common in adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell carcinomas which haven't spread.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness associated with their work could be eligible for financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If you suspect that your condition is related to exposure at work, you should contact an expert railroad settlement lawyer as soon as you can. Under FELA, you have three years to submit claims. If, however, you were unaware that your illness or cancer was connected to your job at the time of diagnosis, the statute of limitations could be extended. An attorney who is experienced with FELA claims could assess your situation and determine whether you should accept an initial settlement offer.