Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to cancer-causing chemical substances in their workplaces. Some workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other illnesses as a result of their exposures.
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 large railroad company. Plaintiff alleged his cancer was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust, creosote and asbestos.
Risk Factors
Different factors can influence the kind of cancer that can be found in an esophagus. Some of these risk factors can be changed, but others like family history and age aren't. The most commonly encountered type of esophageal cancer develops in the flat cells that form the majority of the lining the esophagus. They are referred to as squamous cells. This cancer is more prevalent among men and black people however, the trend is decreasing globally.
The esophagus is also home to glandular cells that secrete mucus to aid in the passage of food into the stomach. csx settlement are situated near the stomach in the lower region of the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas are the most frequent type of esophageal tumours found in these cells. They're more common in men and black individuals, but the trend is decreasing in the United States.
The risk of esophageal carcinoma increases when you smoke tobacco or drinks alcohol. A long period of drinking alcohol for a prolonged period increases the risk of developing squamous cancer. This includes tea brewed in Northern China and Brandie whisky in the US and Europe. Beer is also associated with the disease in Southern Africa and Latin America.
Railroad workers are exposed toxic substances that increase the risk of esophageal carcinoma. This includes solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides applied on rail tracks in order to deter the growth of the weeds, lead paints that are applied to railway bridges, diesel exhaust fumes as well as silica found in industrial materials. The benzene in creosote, a toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties may also be a contributing factor to this cancer.
Diagnosis
Early detection can increase the chances of surviving. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be treated. Early signs include difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and weight loss, hoarseness or coughing as well as chest pain and the sensation that food is stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
A physician can detect esophageal cancer using imaging tests. These tests could include an upper-gastrointestinal study using a barium drink. This test involves swallowing harmless liquid that coats the esophagus's surface and show it on an X-ray. The doctor can also order blood tests to look for anemia or to assess how well the liver functions.
railroad settlement who are diagnosed with esophageal tumors may be entitled to compensation from the railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. A trained railroad esophageal cancer lawyer could assess the individual's case and explain their rights to claim financial compensation under Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer can begin gathering evidence to prove the railway worker's esophageal cancer was a result of their exposure to diesel exhaust fumes, asbestos and other chemicals. A lawyer could also help in determining the right amount of compensation for economic as well as non-economic damages.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed a range of hazardous substances such as creosote, diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote. These substances can cause irritation of the lining of the throat which can lead to esophageal carcinoma. Railroad workers are at greater risk of developing illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The esophagus, or hollow muscular tube connects the mouth to the stomach. It carries liquids and food items that have been taken in to the digestive tract. Esophageal carcinoma is a form of cancer that develops in the cells that line the lining of stomach, or mucosa.
There are many treatment options for patients suffering from esophageal cancer. 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 don't require the removal of the esophagus. In these procedures, doctors use an endoscope for removing precancerous tissues and examining for signs of cancer.
Doctors may opt for chemo or a combination of chemo-radiation to treat stage II cancers. Chemotherapy drugs target cancerous cells and eliminate them. Radiation makes use of high-energy X-rays instead of a similar method to destroy cancerous cells in the esophagus. In some cases, a patient may receive chemo without radiation if the tumor is in the upper portion of the esophagus, near the stomach.
Prognosis
A patient with esophageal cancer that hasn't spread (metastasized) is generally believed to have a favorable prognosis. This is particularly true when cancer is detected at an early stage, and treated promptly.
The prognosis of a person is based on the type of cancer and the stage at the time they were diagnosed. For csx settlement , a person suffering from squamous-cell cancer that has not metastasized is likely to have a better survival rate than someone who has adenocarcinoma but it hasn't spread.
In some instances the doctor might be able to remove the tumor completely by performing surgery. Resection is the term used to describe this. It is especially prevalent in squamous cells and Adenocarcinomas which have not spread.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness that is associated with their employment may be entitled to financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If you suspect that your condition is related to exposure at work, contact an attorney representing railroad workers as soon as possible. csx settlement have three years under FELA to submit an claim. If you didn't know that your cancer was related to your job when you were diagnosed the statute of limitation could be extended. A lawyer experienced in FELA claims could review your situation and determine if you should accept an initial settlement offer.