Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Rail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing compounds in their work environment. Certain workers develop mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as other diseases as a result of their exposure to chemicals.
In a case pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, our lawyers successfully obtained summary judgment against a major railroad company. union pacific settlements claimed that his cancer was caused by exposure to creosote, creosote exhaust and diesel. asbestos.
Risk Factors
Different factors can influence the type of cancer that develops in the esophagus. These risk factors might be able to be changed however others such as the family history or age cannot be changed. The most common type of esophageal carcinoma starts in the flat cells called squamous cells, that constitute the majority of the lining that covers the esophagus. This cancer is more prevalent in black and males but the trend is decreasing across the globe.
The esophagus also houses glandular cells that produce mucus to help with the passage of food into the stomach. The cells are concentrated in the lower esophagus, near the stomach. The most frequent type of esophageal cancers in these cells are adenocarcinomas. They are more prevalent in males and black people, but the trend is declining in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal carcinoma is increased when someone smokes tobacco or consumes alcohol. Consuming a lot of alcohol over a prolonged period of time increases the likelihood of developing squamous-cell carcinoma and a range of drinks are associated with this condition around the globe which includes tea that is brewed in Northern China, Brandie whiskey in the US and Europe, beer in Southern Africa, and distilled drinks in Latin America.
Railroad workers are often exposed to toxins that can increase their chance of getting cancer of the esophagus, for example solvents used in cleaning equipment, herbicides that are applied along rail tracks to deter weed growth, lead paint on railway bridges and facilities such as diesel engine exhaust fumes, and silica from industrial material. Creosote's benzene, an extremely toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties, can also contribute to the development of this cancer.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis can improve your chances of survival. This is because esophageal cancer can be more curable if it's in its early stages and is not spreading to other organs. Initial symptoms include difficulty swallowing weight loss, coughing, hoarseness and chest pain.
A doctor can detect esophageal tumors using imaging tests. These may include an upper-gastrointestinal examination using a barium swallow. This test involves swallowing a harmless chalky liquid to cover the inside of the esophagus. This makes it visible on X-rays. The physician may also order blood tests to test for anemia as well as to assess how the liver is performing.
Railroad workers who are diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma may be eligible for compensation from railroad companies that exposed them substances in the workplace. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements trained railroad esophageal cancer attorney could review the situation of a person and provide the rights to claim financial compensation in accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer could begin to collect evidence to prove that the cancer of the esophagus was caused by their work-related exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes, and other chemicals. A lawyer could also help to determine the right amount of compensation for economic as well as non-economic loss.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed various harmful substances, including diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal carcinoma by damaging the lining of your throat. Railroad workers are at a greater risk of developing illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Colon cancer lawsuit settlements (also known as the hollow muscular tube connects the mouth with the stomach. It transports liquids and food items taken in to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer develops in cells that form the lining of the stomach, or mucosa.
There are many treatment options for cancer of the esophageal tract. Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
For stage I cancers, doctors can use endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Both procedures are minimally invasive and do not require the removal of the esophagus. During these treatments doctors make use of an endoscope to remove cancerous tissue and to look for the signs of cancer.
For cancers of stage II, doctors can choose to use chemotherapy or an amalgamation of chemo and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancerous cells and eliminate them. Radiation works on the same principle but utilizes X-rays of high-energy to destroy cancerous cells in the esophagus as well as in the surrounding tissues. In some instances, a patient may receive chemotherapy without radiation if the tumor is located in the upper part of the esophagus close to the stomach.
Prognosis
People with esophageal carcinoma that has not spread is generally thought to be in good health. This is especially the case if the cancer is detected in its early stages 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. A patient with squamous cell cancer that hasn't gotten any bigger is expected to have a higher chance of survival than those with adenocarcinoma.
In some cases, a doctor may be able eliminate the tumor through surgery. This is known as Resection. This is most common in squamous cell carcinomas as well as adenocarcinomas that have not spread.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness that is connected with their job may be entitled to financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If you believe your illness is caused by exposure at work, contact an expert railroad settlement lawyer as soon as you can. You have three years under FELA to file an claim. If, however, you were unaware that your cancer or illness was related to your job at the time of diagnosis, the time of limitations may be extended. A lawyer who is experienced in FELA cases can evaluate your case and decide if you should accept a settlement.