What Experts From The Field Want You To Know

Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer

Rail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in their workplace. Certain workers develop lung cancer, mesothelioma and other ailments as a result of their exposure to chemicals.

Our attorneys obtained summary judgment in a case that was filed before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama on behalf of a large railroad company. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer resulted from exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust and creosote.

Risk Factors

The kind of cancer that develops in a person's esophagus is determined by many factors. Certain risk factors can be modified, but others like age and family history can't be changed. The most common type of esophageal cancer begins in the flat cells that make up the majority of the lining the esophagus. These cells are known as squamous cells. It is more prevalent in males and blacks, but this trend is decreasing worldwide.

The esophagus is also home to glandular cells that secrete mucus that aids in the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are located near the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. The most commonly encountered type of esophageal tumors found in these cells are adenocarcinomas. The majority of these tumors can be found in men and in black individuals, but they're on the decline in the United States.

The risk of esophageal carcinoma increases when a person smokes tobacco and consumes alcohol. A long period of drinking alcohol for a prolonged period increases the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. railroad injury settlement amounts 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 contaminants that increase the risk of developing esophageal tumors. These include solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides that are applied to rail tracks to discourage the growth of plants, lead paints used on railway bridges diesel exhaust fumes, and silica found in industrial materials. The cancer may be caused by the toxic chemical creosote, which is used to treat railroad tie.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis can increase your chances of survival. The earlier cancer is identified the more likely it will be to be treated. Early symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a loss of appetite and weight loss, coughing or hoarseness, chest pain, and a feeling that food is stuck in the throat (dysphagia).

Imaging tests can be utilized by a doctor to determine esophageal cancer. They can include an upper gastrointestinal examination by a barium swallow. This test involves swallowing a harmless liquid to coat the esophagus' inner surface, and then make it visible on an X-ray. The doctor can also order blood work to check for anemia or to check how the liver functions.

Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma may be entitled to compensation by the railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances while at work. A trained railroad esophageal cancer lawyer can review the case of a person and clarify their rights to claim financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act.

A seasoned FELA lawyer can begin collecting evidence to prove the railroad worker's esophageal carcinoma was the result of exposure to diesel exhaust fumes, asbestos and other chemicals. A lawyer can help determine the proper compensation for the economic and other damages.

Treatment

Railroad workers are exposed a number of hazardous substances, such as asbestos, diesel exhaust, and creosote. These substances can irritate the lining of the throat which can lead to esophageal carcinoma. Railroad workers are also at higher risk of developing other illnesses caused by their work like mesothelioma or lung cancer.





The esophagus or hollow muscular tube connects the mouth to the stomach. It carries liquids as well as food that have been taken in to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer occurs in the cells that form the membrane of the esophagus or mucosa.

Several treatment options are available for patients suffering from esophageal cancer. Surgery is usually combined chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Doctors can use either endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers at stage I. 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 check for symptoms of cancer.

Doctors may opt for chemo or a combination of chemo-radiation, for stage II cancers. Chemotherapy drugs attack cancer cells and kill them. Radiation utilizes X-rays with high energy instead of a similar concept to destroy cancerous cells inside the esophagus. In some instances patients, it is possible to receive chemo without radiation, if the tumor is located in the upper portion of the esophagus close to the stomach.

Prognosis

An individual with esophageal tumor which has not metastasized (metastasized) is generally considered to have a favorable prognosis. This is particularly true if the cancer is discovered in its earliest stages and treated promptly.

The prognosis of a person is contingent on the type of cancer and the stage at when they were diagnosed. For instance, someone suffering from squamous-cell cancer that has not metastasized is expected to have a better survival rate than someone with adenocarcinoma that has not metastasized.

In some cases doctors may be able remove the tumor completely through surgery. This is referred to as Resection. This is more common in adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and that haven't spread.

Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or another chronic illness that is connected with their job may be eligible for financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If you suspect that your condition is related to exposure at work, consult an attorney for settlements in the case of railroad cancer as soon as possible. Under FELA the law, you have three years to file an claim. If, however, you were unaware that your cancer or illness was related to your work at the time of diagnosis, the statute of limitations could be extended. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA claims could evaluate your situation and decide if you should accept an initial settlement offer.