Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Rail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in their work environments. Some workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases as a result exposures.
Our lawyers obtained a summary judgment in a matter that was heard 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 exposures to creosote, diesel exhaust, and asbestos.
Risk Factors
The type of cancer that develops in a person's esophagus can be determined by various factors. Some of these risk factors can be modified while others, like the age of the person and their family history are not able to be changed. The most frequent type of esophageal cancer starts in the flat cells that make up the majority of the lining the esophagus, referred to as squamous cells. It's more common in men and black people, however the trend is decreasing across the globe.
The esophagus also contains glandular cells that release mucus to help with the passage of food into the stomach. The cells are located close to the stomach in the lower region of the esophagus. The most common kind of esophageal tumors that occur in these cells are adenocarcinomas. They are more prevalent in males and blacks, however the trend is declining in the United States.
The risk of esophageal cancer for a person increases with the amount of time spent smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol. Heavy drinking over a long period of time increases the likelihood of developing squamous cell cancer, and a variety of drinks are linked to this cancer throughout the world 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 exposed to toxins which increase their risk of esophageal carcinoma. This includes solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides applied on rail tracks to prevent the growth of plant growth, lead paints applied to railway bridges as well as diesel exhaust fumes and silica in industrial materials. The cancer could be caused by the toxic chemical creosote used to treat railroad tie.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis early can increase the chances of surviving. The earlier cancer is identified, the more likely it will be to be treated. Early symptoms include difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and weight loss, coughing or hoarseness or chest pain, as well as an impression that food particles are stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
Imaging tests can be used by a physician to identify the presence of esophageal carcinoma. These can include an upper gastrointestinal examination with a barium swallow. The test involves swallowing a harmless chalky liquid to be a coating on the inside of the esophagus. It also makes it visible on X-rays. The doctor might also request blood tests to determine if there is anemia or to determine how the liver functions.
Railroad employees who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer could be entitled to compensation from the railroad companies which exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. A qualified railroad esophageal esophageal cancer attorney can assess the case of a person and explain their rights to claim financial compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act.
An experienced FELA attorney could start working to gather evidence to prove that the esophageal cancer was caused by their exposure to asbestos in the course of their work as well as diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. railroad back injury settlements can also assist determine the right amount of 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 irritate the lining of the throat which can lead to esophageal carcinoma. Railroad workers are at greater risk of developing ailments such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
The esophagus is the hollow muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is also used to transport liquids and food items that are swallowed to the digestive tract. Esophageal carcinoma develops in cells that line the lining of the stomach, also known as mucosa.
There are a variety of treatment options available for cancer of the esophageal tract. Surgery is usually combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Doctors can use 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. In these treatments doctors make use of an endoscope for the removal of cancerous tissue and to look for symptoms of cancer.
For Colon cancer lawsuit settlements , doctors can choose to use chemotherapy or a combination of chemo and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs target cancerous cells and eliminate them. union pacific settlements on the same principle however, it uses X-rays with high energy to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus and in the surrounding tissues. If the tumor is in the upper part near the stomach, some patients might be treated with chemo instead of radiation.
Prognosis
Esophageal cancer patients who has not spread is generally thought to be healthy. This is especially the case if the cancer is detected in its earliest stages and treated promptly.
The likelihood of a person's survival is based on the type of cancer, and the stage at the time they were diagnosed. For instance, a patient with squamous cells cancer that has not metastasized is likely to have a better chance of survival than someone with adenocarcinoma which has not metastasized.
In certain instances doctors may be able remove the tumor using surgery. This is referred to as resection. It is most prevalent in squamous-cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas which haven't spread.
Federal Employers Liability Act may provide financial compensation to railroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer or any other chronic illness which are related to their employment. If you believe your illness is caused by exposure at work, you should contact an experienced railroad cancer settlement attorney promptly. You have three years under FELA to file an claim. If you didn't know that your cancer was related to your job at the time of your diagnosis, the statute of limitation could be extended. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA cases can review your case and decide if you should accept a settlement offer.