Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Railroad workers are frequently 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 major railroad company. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer resulted by exposure to diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote.
Risk Factors
Different factors can affect the kind of cancer that can be found in an esophagus. These risk factors might be able to be changed however others such as the history of a family member or age can't. The most frequent type of esophageal carcinoma starts in the flat cells called squamous cells, which compose the majority of the lining on the esophagus. It's more common in men and blacks, but this trend is waning worldwide.
The esophagus also contains glandular cells that release mucus, which aids in the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are found in the lower esophagus, close to the stomach. Adenocarcinomas are by far the most common type of esophageal tumours found in these cells. They are more prevalent in males and blacks, however the trend is decreasing in the United States.
The risk of esophageal carcinoma increases when you smoke cigarettes and consumes alcohol. Heavy drinking for a long period of time increases the chance of developing squamous-cell 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 chemicals that increase the chances of developing esophageal carcinoma. This includes solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides applied to rail tracks to discourage the growth of plants, lead paints used on railway bridges diesel exhaust fumes, and silica in industrial products. The cancer could be caused by the poisonous chemical creosote that is used to treat railroad tie.
Diagnosis
A timely diagnosis will increase the chance of survival. The earlier cancer is discovered, the more likely it will be to be treated. The first signs are difficulty swallowing, weight loss, coughing, hoarseness, and chest pain.
A physician may diagnose esophageal cancer through imaging tests. These may include an upper gastrointestinal test with a barium swallow. This test involves swallowing a harmless liquid to coat the esophagus' inner surface and reveal it on an X-ray. The doctor can also order blood tests to look for anemia, and to determine how the liver is working.
Railroad employees who are diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma may be entitled to compensation from railroad companies that exposed them substances in the workplace. A qualified railroad esophageal esophageal cancer attorney can assess an individual's situation and discuss their rights to pursue financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer could begin gathering evidence to prove the railroad worker's esophageal carcinoma was caused by their exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. A lawyer can also assist determine the proper compensation for the economic and other damages.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed to a number of dangerous substances, including asbestos, diesel exhaust, and creosote. These substances can cause irritation of the lining of the throat and can cause cancer of the esophagus. Railroad workers are also at higher risk of developing other diseases associated with their work, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The esophagus or hollow muscular tube connects the mouth to the stomach. It is a conduit for liquids and food that have been taken in to the digestive tract. Multiple myeloma settlements develops in cells that are found in the lining of the stomach, or mucosa.
There are many treatment options for esophageal tumors. Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
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 removing the esophagus. In these procedures, doctors utilize an endoscope for the removal of cancerous tissues and testing for indications of cancer.
For stage II cancers doctors can choose to use chemotherapy or a combination of chemo and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells. Radiation makes use of high-energy X-rays instead of a similar approach to destroy cancerous cells in the esophagus. If the tumor is located in the upper region of the stomach, some patients may be treated with chemo instead of radiation.
Prognosis
People with esophageal carcinoma that has not spread is generally thought to be in good health. This is especially true when the cancer is discovered in its early stages and treated promptly.
However, a person's prognosis depends on the type of cancer they are suffering from and their stage of cancer at the time they are diagnosed. For instance, a person with squamous cell cancer that has not metastasized is likely to have a better chance of survival than someone with adenocarcinoma, which has not developed.
In some instances doctors may be able to eliminate the tumor completely by performing surgery. Resection is the word used to describe this. It is the most frequent procedure in adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell carcinomas that have not mutated.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness that is associated to their work may be eligible for financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If union pacific settlements suspect that your condition is caused by exposure at work, you should contact an expert railroad settlement lawyer as soon as you can. union pacific settlements have three years under FELA to submit an claim. If you didn't realize that your cancer was related to your job when you were diagnosed the time frame for filing a claim could be extended. A lawyer with experience in FELA cases could review your case and decide whether you should accept a settlement.