Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Rail workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing substances at their work environment. Certain workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases as a result of their exposure.
In a case pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, our attorneys successfully obtained summary judgment against a major railroad company. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer arose by exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust and creosote.
Risk Factors
Different factors can affect the kind of cancer that can be found in the esophagus. Some of these risk factors are able to be altered while others, like the age of the person and their family history are not able to be changed. The most common type of esophageal cancer develops in the flat cells that comprise most of the lining the esophagus, referred to as squamous cells. It is more prevalent in males and blacks, but the trend is decreasing across the globe.
The esophagus also has glandular cells that produce mucus to help with the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are concentrated near the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. The most frequent type of esophageal cancers in these cells are adenocarcinomas. The majority of these tumors occur among black people, but they're on the decline in the United States.
The risk of developing cancer of the esophagus increases by the amount of time they spend smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol for a long period of time increases the chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma. This includes brewed tea in Northern China and Brandie whisky in the US and Europe. Beer is also associated with the disease in Southern Africa and Latin America.
Colon cancer lawsuit settlements are often exposed to toxins that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. These include solvents employed in cleaning equipment as well as herbicides sprayed along rail tracks to stop weed growth and lead paint on railway bridges and facilities such as exhaust fumes from diesel engines, and silica from industrial materials. The benzene in creosote, which is a toxic chemical that is used to treat railroad ties, can also contribute to the development of this cancer.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis can improve the chances of surviving. The earlier the cancer is discovered, the more likely it is to be treated. Early symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a loss of appetite and weight loss, coughing or hoarseness as well as chest pain and the feeling that food is stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
A physician can detect esophageal tumors using imaging tests. These tests may include an upper-gastrointestinal test using a barium drink. The test involves swallowing a harmless liquid that coats the esophagus's inner surface and reveal it on an X-ray. The doctor may also request blood tests to test for anemia and determine how the liver is performing.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer could be entitled to compensation from the railroad companies who exposed them to toxic substances while at work. A qualified railroad esophageal cancer lawyer can review the case of a person and explain the rights they have to claim financial compensation accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer can begin gathering evidence to prove the railroad worker's esophageal carcinoma was the result of their exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. An attorney can also help determine the right amount of compensation for the economic and other damages.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed to a variety of harmful substances, including creosote and diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal carcinoma by irritating the lining of your throat. Railroad employees are at a higher risk of developing ailments such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The esophagus or hollow muscular tube connects the mouth with the stomach. It carries liquids and food items that have been swallowed into the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer develops in cells that line the lining of the stomach, also known as mucosa.
Many treatment options are available for esophageal tumors. Surgery is often combined chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
For cancers that are stage I, doctors can perform endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Both procedures are minimally invasive and do not require the removal of the esophagus. In these procedures, doctors utilize an endoscope to remove precancerous tissues and examining for indicators of cancer.
For stage II cancers, doctors can choose to use chemotherapy or an amalgamation of chemo and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells. Radiation follows the same principles but utilizes X-rays of high-energy to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus as well as in the surrounding tissues. In some instances patients, it is possible to receive chemo without radiation if the tumor is in the upper part of the esophagus near the stomach.
Prognosis
An individual with esophageal tumor that hasn't spread (metastasized) is generally believed to have a positive prognosis. This is particularly true when cancer is detected in its earliest stages and treated promptly.
The likelihood of a person's survival will depend on the type of cancer, and the stage at the time they were diagnosed. For instance, a patient with squamous cell cancer that has not metastasized is expected to have a better survival rate than someone with adenocarcinoma, which has not spread.
In some instances doctors may be able to completely remove the tumor using surgery. This is referred to as resection. This is especially common in squamous cells and adenocarcinomas that have not spread.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illness connected with their job may be entitled to financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If union pacific settlements suspect that your condition is caused by exposure at work, you should contact an experienced attorney for railroad cancer settlement promptly. You have three years under FELA to submit an claim. If, however, you did not realize that your illness or cancer was related to your work at the time of diagnosis, the statute of limitations could be extended. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA cases can review your case and decide if you should accept a settlement.