Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Rail workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in their workplace. Some workers develop mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as other ailments as a result of their exposure to chemicals.
Our lawyers obtained a summary judgment in a case 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 triggered through exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust and creosote.
Risk Factors
Different factors can affect the kind of cancer that can be found in the esophagus. These risk factors might be changeable but others, such as the age or family history can't be changed. The most frequent form of esophageal cancer starts in the flat cells, or squamous cells. They constitute the majority of the lining on the esophagus. It is more prevalent in males and blacks, however this trend is waning worldwide.
The esophagus has glandular cells that secrete mucus to facilitate the passage of food from the mouth into the stomach. The cells are located close to the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. The most prevalent type of esophageal tumors in these cells are adenocarcinomas. The majority of these tumors occur in black and white people, but they're on the decline in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal cancer is increased when someone smokes tobacco or drinks alcohol. Drinking heavily over a prolonged period of time increases the risk of developing squamous-cell carcinoma and a range of beverages are linked with this cancer throughout the world including tea 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 increase their risk of contracting esophageal carcinoma, for instance solvents used in cleaning equipment, herbicides sprayed along rail tracks to deter weed growth such as lead paint on railway bridges and facilities and exhaust fumes from diesel engines, and silica derived from industrial materials. The benzene present in creosote which is a toxic chemical that is used to treat railroad ties, can also contribute to the development of this cancer.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis that is made early can improve the chance of survival. This is because esophageal cancer can be more treatable if it is in the earlier stages and is not spreading to other organs. Early symptoms include difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and weight loss, hoarseness or coughing or chest pain, as well as a feeling that food is stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
A doctor can detect esophageal cancer using imaging tests. This could include an upper gastrointestinal study with a barium swallow. This test involves swallowing a harmless chalky liquid that is intended to cover the inside of the esophagus. It also makes it visible on X-rays. The physician may also order blood tests to look for anemia and to see how the liver's function is.
Railroad workers who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer may be entitled to compensation from the railroad companies that exposed them substances in the workplace. A trained railroad esophageal cancer attorney could review the situation of a person and discuss the rights they have to claim financial compensation accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer can begin collecting evidence to show that the railway worker's esophageal cancer was caused by their exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. A lawyer can also assist determine the proper compensation for economic and other losses.
Colon cancer lawsuit settlements are exposed to a variety of harmful substances, including creosote, diesel exhaust, asbestos, and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal carcinoma by damaging the lining of your throat. union pacific settlements are at a higher risk of developing diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The esophagus (also known as the hollow muscular tube, connects the mouth with the stomach. It transports liquids and food that has been swallowed and then to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the cells that comprise the membrane of the esophagus or mucosa.
There are a variety of treatment options available for patients suffering from esophageal cancer. Surgery is typically combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
union pacific settlements may opt for either endoscopic submucosal disection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for stage I cancers. Both procedures are minimally-invasive, and do not require the removal of the esophagus. During these treatments doctors use an endoscope for the removal of cancerous tissues and testing for signs of cancer.
Doctors can use chemo, or a combination of chemo-radiation, for stage II cancers. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancerous cells. Radiation utilizes X-rays with high energy instead of a similar approach to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus. In certain instances patients, it is possible to receive chemo treatment without radiation if the tumor is in the upper part of the esophagus near the stomach.
Prognosis
Patients with esophageal cancer that is not spreading are generally considered to be healthy. This is especially true when the cancer is discovered in its earliest stages and treated promptly.
However, a person's prognosis is contingent on the type of cancer they are suffering from and the stage of cancer at the time they are diagnosed. A person with squamous-cell cancer that isn't spreading is likely to have a higher chance of survival as compared to a person with adenocarcinoma.
In certain cases the doctor may be able to eradicate the tumor completely with surgery. Resection is the word used to describe this. It is especially prevalent in squamous-cell carcinomas and Adenocarcinomas that are not spreading.
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 suspect that your condition is due to exposure at work or in the workplace, contact an experienced railroad cancer settlement attorney immediately. Under FELA, you have three years to file an claim. If you didn't know your cancer was connected to your job when you were diagnosed the statute of limitation could be extended. A lawyer experienced in FELA claims could assess your situation and decide if you should accept an initial settlement offer.