Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing substances in their work environments. Certain workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other illnesses as a result 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 major railroad company. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer was caused by exposures to creosote, diesel exhaust and asbestos.
Risk Factors
Different factors can affect the type of cancer that develops in an esophagus. These risk factors may be capable of being altered in some cases, but others like the family history or age cannot be changed. The most prevalent type of esophageal cancer begins in the flat cells that make up most of the lining the esophagus. These cells are known as squamous cells. It's more common in men and black individuals, but this trend is waning worldwide.
The esophagus also has glandular cells which secrete mucus to help with the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are located near the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas is the most common type of esophageal tumours found in these cells. The majority of these tumors can be found in men and in black people, but they're on the decline in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases in proportion to the amount of time spent smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. A long period of time increases the probability of developing squamous-cell carcinoma and a range of drinks are associated with this cancer throughout the world, including brewed tea in Northern China, Brandie whiskey in the US and Europe, beer in Southern Africa, and distilled drinks in Latin America.
Railroad workers are exposed to toxins that can increase the chance of developing esophageal cancer, such as solvents employed in cleaning equipment and herbicides applied along rail tracks to discourage weed growth such as lead paint on railway bridges and facilities, diesel engine exhaust fumes, and silica in industrial materials. This type of cancer could be caused by the poisonous chemical creosote, which is used to treat railroad tie.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis can increase your chances of surviving. This is due to the fact that esophageal cancer is more treatable if it is in its early stages and has not spread to other organs. The first signs are difficulty swallowing as well as weight loss as well as hoarseness, coughing and chest pain.
Imaging tests can be utilized by a doctor to diagnose the presence of esophageal carcinoma. The tests can include an upper-gastrointestinal study with a barium drink. This test involves swallowing a harmless liquid to coat the esophagus' inner surface, and then make it visible on an X-ray. The doctor can also order blood tests to test for anemia, or to determine how well the liver functions.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma may be entitled to compensation from railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. union pacific settlements trained railroad esophageal cancer attorney can assess an individual's situation and explain their rights to claim financial compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA attorney could start working to gather evidence that a railroad worker's cancer of the esophagus resulted from their job-related exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. A lawyer can also assist determine the appropriate compensation for the economic and other damages.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed a variety of dangerous substances like creosote and diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal carcinoma by irritating the lining of your throat. Railroad workers also have a higher risk of developing other illnesses associated with their work like mesothelioma or lung cancer.
The esophagus (also known as the hollow muscular tube connects the mouth to the stomach. It carries liquids as well as food items that have been swallowed to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the cells that comprise the part of the lining of the esophagus or mucosa.
Several treatment options are available for esophageal tumors. Surgery is usually paired with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Doctors can use either endoscopic submucosal disection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers at stage I. Both procedures are minimally-invasive, and do not require the removal of the esophagus. When they are performed, doctors use an endoscope to remove precancerous tissues, and for analyzing the signs of cancer.
For stage II cancers, doctors can choose to use chemo or an amalgamation of chemo and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs attack cancerous cells and eliminate them. Radiation operates on the same basis, but uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus and in the surrounding tissues. If the tumor is in the upper part of the stomach, some patients could be treated with chemotherapy instead of radiation.
Prognosis
An individual with esophageal tumor that has not spread (metastasized) is generally considered to have a good prognosis. This is especially true if the cancer is detected in its earliest stages and treated promptly.
The prognosis of a person depends on their type of cancer, and the stage at which they were diagnosed. For instance, a person suffering from squamous-cell cancer that has not metastasized, is expected to have a better survival rate than a patient who has adenocarcinoma but it hasn't developed.
In certain cases, a physician may be able to completely remove the tumor by performing surgery. Resection is the term used to describe this. It is the most frequent procedure in adenocarcinomas and squamous cells which have not spread.
Federal Employers Liability Act may provide an amount of money to railroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer or any other chronic illness that are linked to their work. If you believe that your illness is linked to exposure at work, contact a railroad cancer settlement lawyer immediately. Under FELA it is possible to file a claim within three years to file a claim. If, however, you did not realize that your illness or cancer was related to your work at the time of diagnosis, the statute of limitations could be extended. An attorney who is experienced with FELA claims can evaluate your situation and decide if you should accept a first settlement offer.