Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in their workplace. Some workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases from their exposures.
Our attorneys obtained summary judgement 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 claimed that his cancer was caused by exposure to creosote, creosote exhaust and diesel. asbestos.
Risk Factors
Different factors can determine the type of cancer that develops in the esophagus. Some of these risk factors can be changed however others, such as family history and age aren't. The most prevalent type of esophageal carcinoma starts in the flat cells, or squamous cell, that compose the majority of the lining on the esophagus. It is more prevalent in males and black people, however this trend is decreasing worldwide.
The esophagus also houses glandular cells that produce mucus to aid in the passage of food into the stomach. The cells are located close to the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas are the most frequent type of esophageal tumours found in these cells. The majority of these tumors are found among black people, but they're also on the decline in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal carcinoma is increased when someone smokes tobacco and drinks alcohol. A long period of drinking alcohol for a prolonged period of time increases the chance of developing squamous cancer. This includes brewed tea in Northern China and Brandie whisky in the US and Europe. Beer is also linked to the disease in Southern Africa and Latin America.
Railroad workers are exposed toxins which increase their chances of developing esophageal carcinoma. This includes solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides applied on rail tracks in order to deter the growth of plant growth, lead paints applied to railway bridges, diesel exhaust fumes as well as silica in industrial products. The benzene in creosote, an extremely toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties can also contribute to this cancer.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis early can improve the odds of surviving. The earlier cancer is discovered, the more likely it is to be treated. railroad back injury settlements are difficulty swallowing, a loss of appetite and weight loss, hoarseness or coughing or chest pain, as well as the feeling that food is stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
A physician may detect esophageal cancer using imaging tests. These may include an upper-gastrointestinal examination by a barium swallow. The test involves swallowing the harmless chalky liquid to cover the surface of the esophagus. This makes it visible on X-rays. The doctor may also request blood tests to look for anemia and determine how well the liver is functioning.
railroad back injury settlements who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer may be eligible for compensation from the railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances while at work. A trained railroad esophageal cancer lawyer can review the case of a person and discuss their rights to seek financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer could begin to collect evidence to prove that a railroad worker's esophageal cancer was caused by their exposure to asbestos in the course of their work as well as diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. Multiple myeloma settlements can also assist in determining the right amount of compensation for both economic and non-economic loss.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed to a number of hazardous substances, such as asbestos, diesel exhaust, and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal carcinoma by damaging the lining of your throat. Railroad workers are also at a greater risk of developing other diseases due to their job including mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
The esophagus is the hollow muscular tube which connects the mouth to the stomach. It also transports liquids and food items that are swallowed to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer develops in cells that line the lining of the stomach, also known as mucosa.
Many treatment options are available for esophageal tumors. Surgery is typically combined chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
For stage I cancers, doctors can perform endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Both procedures are minimally invasive, and don't require the removal of the esophagus. When they are performed, doctors use an endoscope for the removal of cancerous tissues and examining for signs of cancer.
Doctors may opt for chemo or a combination of chemo and radiation for stage II cancers. Chemotherapy drugs target cancerous cells and eliminate them. Radiation follows the same principles however, it uses X-rays with high energy to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus and surrounding tissues. In certain instances the patient can receive chemo without radiation if the tumor is located in the upper part of the esophagus in the vicinity of the stomach.
Prognosis
Patients with esophageal cancer that is not spreading are generally thought to be healthy. This is especially true when cancer is discovered in its earliest stages and treated promptly.
However, a person's outlook depends on the type of cancer they have and the stage of cancer at the moment they are diagnosed. A person with squamous-cell cancer that hasn't spread is expected to have a higher chance of survival than those with adenocarcinoma.
In some instances the doctor may be able to completely remove the tumor using surgery. Resection is the word used to describe this. This is especially common in squamous cells and Adenocarcinomas that are not spreading.
Federal Employers Liability Act may provide financial compensation to railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses which are related to their job. If you think your illness is linked to exposure at work, contact an attorney for settlements in the case of railroad cancer whenever you can. Under FELA you have three years to file claims. If, however, you did not know that your cancer or illness was related to your work at the time of diagnosis, the time of limitations may be extended. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA cases could evaluate your case and decide if you should accept a settlement.