What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Learn

Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer

Rail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in their workplace. Some workers develop mesothelioma or lung cancer as well as other illnesses as a result of their exposure to chemicals.

In a case filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, our attorneys successfully obtained summary judgment against a major railroad carrier. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer was triggered by exposure to diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote.

Risk Factors

The kind of cancer that develops in an individual's esophagus is determined by different factors. These risk factors could be adjustable but others, such as the family history or age cannot be changed. The most frequent type of esophageal cancer begins in the flat cells that make up most of the lining the esophagus, referred to as squamous cells. It is more prevalent in males and black individuals, but this trend is waning worldwide.

The esophagus contains glandular cells that secrete mucus to facilitate the flow of food from the mouth into the stomach. These cells are situated near the stomach in the lower portion of the esophagus. The most commonly encountered kind of esophageal tumors that occur in these cells are adenocarcinomas. The majority of these tumors can be found among black people, but they're on the decline in the United States.

The risk of esophageal cancer for a person increases depending on the amount of time spent smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol. A long period of time increases the probability of developing squamous-cell carcinoma and a variety of beverages are linked with this cancer throughout the world, including brewed tea in Northern China, Brandie whiskey in the US and Europe beer in Southern Africa, and distilled drinks in Latin America.

Railroad workers are frequently exposed to toxic substances that increase the chance of developing esophageal carcinoma, for instance solvents employed in cleaning equipment and 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 exhaust fumes from diesel engines, and silica from industrial material. The benzene present in creosote a toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties can also cause cancer.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis early can increase your chances of surviving. The earlier the cancer is identified the more likely it will be to be treated. The first signs are difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and weight loss, coughing or hoarseness or chest pain, as well as an impression that food particles are stuck in the throat (dysphagia).

Imaging tests can be used by a physician to diagnose esophageal cancer. They can include an upper gastrointestinal study using a barium swallow. The test involves swallowing the harmless chalky liquid to cover the inside of the esophagus. It also makes it visible on X-rays. The doctor can also order blood tests to check for anemia as well as to assess how well the liver is functioning.





Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer may be eligible for compensation from railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. A qualified railroad esophageal cancer attorney can assess the case of a person and provide the rights to claim financial compensation accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.

A seasoned FELA lawyer can begin to gather evidence to prove that a railroad worker's cancer of the esophagus resulted from the exposure they received from asbestos as well as 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 variety of harmful substances, including diesel exhaust, creosote, asbestos and creosote. These chemicals can cause irritation to the throat's lining, causing esophageal cancer. Railroad workers also have a higher chance of developing other illnesses associated with their work like mesothelioma or lung cancer.

The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube which connects the mouth to the stomach. It is also used to transport liquids and food particles that are swallowed into the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer occurs in the cells that make up the lining of the esophagus, or mucosa.

Many treatment options are available for esophageal tumors. Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Doctors can opt for either endoscopic submucosal disection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers in stage I. Both procedures are minimally invasive and don't require removing the esophagus. During these procedures, doctors use an endoscope to remove precancerous tissue and test for symptoms of cancer.

Doctors may opt for chemo or a combination of chemo-radiation to treat stage II cancers. Chemotherapy drugs target cancerous cells and destroy them. Radiation is based on the same principle but utilizes X-rays of high-energy to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus, and other tissues around it. If the tumor is located in the upper part of the stomach, some patients could be treated with chemo rather than radiation.

Prognosis

Esophageal cancer patients who has not spread are generally considered to be healthy. This is particularly true if cancer is detected at an early stage, and treated promptly.

railroad bipa settlement for a person is based on the type of cancer, and the stage at when they were diagnosed. A person with squamous-cell cancer that isn't spreading is likely to have a better chance of survival than a patient with adenocarcinoma.

In some cases the doctor might be able to eliminate the tumor completely by performing surgery. This is known as resection. This is more common in adenocarcinomas and squamous cells that haven't spread.

Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illness connected with their work could be eligible for financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If you suspect your illness is due to exposure at work, speak with an expert railroad settlement lawyer immediately. Under FELA, you have three years to file a claim. If you didn't realize that the cancer was caused by your job when you were diagnosed, the time frame for filing a claim could be extended. A lawyer with experience in FELA cases could evaluate your case and decide if you should accept a settlement.