Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Rail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing substances in their work environment. Some workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other ailments as a result of their exposures.
In a case pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, our lawyers were able to obtain an order of summary judgment for a major railroad company. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer resulted by exposure to diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote.
Risk Factors
Different factors can influence the type of cancer found in the esophagus. Some of these risk factors can be changed however others, such as 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 most of the lining the esophagus, called squamous cells. The cancer is more prevalent for blacks and men, but the trend is declining globally.
The esophagus is home to glandular cells that secrete mucus to facilitate the passage of food through the mouth into the stomach. These cells are concentrated near the stomach in the lower portion of the esophagus. The most prevalent type of esophageal tumors found in these cells are adenocarcinomas. They are more common in males and black people, but the trend is decreasing in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases by the amount of time spent smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Heavy drinking over a prolonged period of time increases the likelihood of developing squamous-cell carcinoma and a wide range of drinks are associated with 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 regularly exposed to toxic substances that increase the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus, for example solvents used in cleaning equipment, herbicides that are applied along rail tracks in order to prevent the growth of weeds as well as lead paints on railway bridges and facilities and diesel engine exhaust fumes, and silica from industrial material. The cancer could be caused by the poisonous chemical creosote that is used to treat railroad tie.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis early can increase your chances of surviving. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it will be to be treated. Early symptoms include 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 can diagnose esophageal cancer through imaging tests. These tests may include an upper-gastrointestinal test using a drink of barium. This test involves swallowing the harmless chalky liquid to cover the surface of the esophagus and make it visible on X-rays. The doctor might also request blood work to check for anemia or to determine how the liver is functioning.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with esophageal tumors may be entitled to compensation from railroad companies that exposed them substances in the workplace. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements trained railroad esophageal cancer attorney can assess the situation of a person and describe the rights they have to claim financial compensation in accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.
An experienced FELA lawyer can begin assembling evidence to show that the railroad worker's esophageal carcinoma was the result of their exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. A lawyer can also help determine the appropriate amount of compensation for the economic and other damages.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed to a variety of harmful substances, including creosote, diesel exhaust, asbestos, and creosote. These chemicals can cause irritation to the throat's lining and cause esophageal cancer. Railroad workers also have a higher chance of developing other illnesses caused by their work including mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Colon cancer lawsuit settlements is a hollow muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It carries liquids and food that is swallowed to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the cells that form the membrane of the esophagus or mucosa.
Esophageal cancer can be treated in various ways. Surgery is typically combined chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
For cancers of stage I, doctors can opt for 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 procedures doctors utilize an endoscope for the removal of cancerous tissue and to look for symptoms of cancer.
For stage II cancers doctors may use chemotherapy or an amalgamation of chemo and radiation. union pacific settlements kill cancer cells. Radiation uses high-energy, X-rays instead of a similar principle to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus. If the tumor is located in the upper part of the stomach, some patients might be treated with chemo instead radiation.
Prognosis
People with esophageal carcinoma that is not spreading are generally considered to be in good health. This is especially true if the cancer is detected in its early stages and treated promptly.
The likelihood of a person's survival is based on the type of cancer and the stage at which they were diagnosed. A patient with squamous cell cancer that hasn't spread is expected to have a higher chance of survival as compared to a person with adenocarcinoma.
In certain cases doctors may be able to remove the tumor completely with surgery. This is referred to as resection. This is most common in adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and which haven't spread.
Federal Employers Liability Act may provide financial compensation to railroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that are related to their job. If you suspect that your condition is linked to exposure at work, consult a railroad cancer settlement lawyer immediately. Under FELA, you have three years to make a claim. If you didn't know that the cancer was caused by your job when you were diagnosed the time limit could be extended. An attorney who is experienced with FELA claims could assess your situation and decide if you should accept a first settlement offer.