Railroad Settlement For Mesothelioma and Lung CancerRailroad workers have been exposed to numerous dangerous carcinogens including asbestos and diesel exhaust. Many railroad workers have suffered from serious health conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.FELA allows railroad workers, both active and former, to sue their employers when toxic substances cause illness or death. Simmons Hanly Conroy's attorneys have years of experience in submitting FELA lawsuits on behalf of railroad workers who are injured across the nation.What is Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer, is found in the mesothelium. It is a protective layer that surrounds internal organs. how did railroads encourage settlement of the west is caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure can cause different types of mesothelioma like testicular, peritoneal and pleural, and pericardial mesothelioma. Patients who have a history asbestos exposure are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.Mesothelioma can be difficult for doctors to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Blood tests, imaging scans, and biopsy are all required to identify mesothelioma.Imaging scans used for diagnosing mesothelioma are CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These scans can assist doctors locate the site of the tumor as well as other anomalies in the body. They can also determine whether the tumor has been able to spread to the chest wall, diaphragm or abdominal cavity or the heart.A biopsy is a procedure by which a small portion of tissue from the abdomen or pleura is removed and examined under the microscope. A biopsy can be done in two different ways such as VATS, a type of keyhole surgery or CT-guided core biopsies. The latter is done under local anesthesia using needles and a CT scan. The surgical procedures used to treat mesothelioma of the pleura vary based on the stage of cancer. Treatment options include a pleurectomy and extrapleural pneumonectomy. This is a surgical removal of the affected pleura, or chemotherapy. Radiation is often used to ease pain or kill cancer cells after surgery and chemotherapy.How do I know whether I have mesothelioma or not?The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ based on the type of cancer and its stage. A physical examination and imaging tests are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor will then examine a biopsy to determine if the patient is suffering from mesothelioma.Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is primarily affecting the lining of the lung. It can also affect the lining in the abdomen (peritoneal) or the testicles, the heart, and pericardium (pericardial). The majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma suffer from mesothelioma of the pleural region. The cause is that asbestos fibers cause inflammation and irritation in the pleura. The inflammation and irritation could cause tumors.Doctors will test the patient to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread. This will enable them to determine the best treatment for the patient.Typically, pleural mesothelioma can be treated through surgery. Extrapleural pneumonectomy can be a procedure that can be used to remove the entire lung and pleura, and also a small portion of diaphragm. Certain patients may undergo the procedure of pleurectomy, which is limited with lung decortication. This procedure removes only the pleura and not the lungs affected. Chemotherapy and radiation are also options. Trimodality therapy can be used to treat mesothelioma. It involves a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and major surgery. The outcomes of mesothelioma treatment depend on the stage and type of the disease, a person's general medical and overall health as well as his or her age.How Can I Tell whether My Mesothelioma Is Related to my Railroad Work?Railroad workers can be affected by a variety of physical ailments resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace, including asbestos. Compensation may be offered to those suffering from asbestos-related diseases, like mesothelioma. Railroad workers and their families who have been affected by asbestos should consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer in order to determine if they are eligible for a FELA suit.Asbestos was used extensively in railroad construction due to its low cost, durability and fire resistance. However, it was discovered to be a deadly carcinogen and caused many railroad workers to develop asbestos-related illness. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will explain FELA and other forms of compensation for asbestos victims.Railroad workers also are exposed to other toxins in the workplace, such as diesel exhaust fumes. Solvents and silica dust. These toxins can cause respiratory problems, including silicosis. This is a serious lung disease that affects the lung.According to a study done recently, railroad yard work is associated with higher incidences of mesothelioma compared to other industries. This is likely due to increased exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and radiation from enriched uranium as well as plutonium. The study also shows that older railroad workers are more likely to suffer from mesothelioma, compared to younger workers. This is likely because older workers were exposed to diesel and steam engines, whereas younger workers were more exposed to their emissions.How Can I Determine the Value of My Case?If railroad employees suffer from cancer or other illnesses due to exposures on the job, a skilled attorney can help the person injured to seek compensation. The law referred to as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad employees to sue their employers for a wide range of illnesses and injuries including lung cancer and mesothelioma.Oft, employers settle the case to reduce the risk of a court verdict. An experienced railroad lawyer could review a settlement offer and determine whether it is fair and adequate.A skilled attorney could also look into a claim to determine any evidence of asbestos, solvents, diesel exhaust or silica sand exposure at work. These substances have been linked with different types of cancers and diseases. An attorney for mesothelioma could help a customer find proof that the disease was caused by exposure to work.In court, defense attorneys can utilize the victim's history of smoking to show that their illness wasn't caused by workplace exposures. However this is not always the case. In fact, in a recent case Conrail lost an appeal of the $2.3 million verdict after the jury found that the company had not proved that the plaintiff's health condition caused by smoking was not at all due to exposure to asbestos in the railroad.