Railroad Settlement For Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Rail workers are exposed to a variety of carcinogens, including asbestos and diesel exhaust. This has resulted in numerous health issues that are serious like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
union pacific settlements allows railroad workers, both present and former workers to sue their employers if toxic chemicals cause illness or death. Simmons Hanly Conroy has attorneys who are experienced in filing FELA claims for railroad injured workers across the country.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a layer of protective tissue around organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of the disease. Exposure can lead to a variety of types of mesothelioma like testicular, peritoneal, pleural mesothelioma, and pericardial. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsy are all required to identify mesothelioma.
Imaging scans used for diagnosing mesothelioma include CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These scans can help doctors determine the location of the tumor, as well as any other irregularities within the body. They can also tell if the tumor has spread to the chest wall, diaphragm or abdominal cavity or the heart.
A biopsy is an operation that involves taking a tiny sample of abdominal or pleural tissue to be examined under the microscope. A biopsy can be carried out in two ways: a VATS - a type of keyhole surgery, or a CT-guided central biopsy, which is done under local anesthesia using a needle guided by an CT scan. The surgical procedures for treating mesothelioma pleural differ based on the stage of cancer. union pacific settlements include a pleurectomy or pleural airway, surgical removal of the affected tissue or chemotherapy. Radiation is often used to reduce discomfort or kill cancerous cells after surgery and chemotherapy.
How Can I Tell If I Have Mesothelioma?
Colon cancer lawsuit settlements of mesothelioma may vary based on the type of cancer and the stage at which it is diagnosed. The first step to diagnosis is a physical exam and imaging scans. A doctor can then perform an analysis of the patient's tissue to determine if the patient has mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, primarily affects the lining in the lung. It can also affect the lining in the abdomen (peritoneal) or the testicles, heart and pericardium (pericardial). The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma suffer from mesothelioma pleural. This happens when asbestos fibers cause irritation and inflammation in the pleura. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements and irritation lead to the growth of tumors.
Doctors will perform tests on the patient to determine how far the cancer has spread. This will allow them to decide the best treatment options for the patient.
Pleural mesothelioma is usually treated through surgery. This may include an operation called extrapleural pneumonectomy, in which the entire lung, pleura and a portion of the diaphragm are removed. Some patients may undergo an operation that is more restricted called pleurectomy, also known as pulmonary decortication. It removes the pleura but not the affected lung. Other treatments include radiation and chemotherapy. Trimodality therapy may be used to treat mesothelioma. It involves a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and major surgery. The outcome of mesothelioma treatments depends on the type, stage and the history of the disease.
How Can I Tell whether My Mesothelioma Is Related to my Railroad Work?
Rail workers can be affected by many ailments as a result of asbestos exposure. People suffering from asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma could qualify for compensation. Railroad employees and their families who have been affected by asbestos should consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to determine eligibility for an FELA suit.
Asbestos is commonly used in railroad construction because it is cost-effective and durable, as well as fire-resistant. It was later discovered to be a deadly cancerous material and many railroad workers suffered asbestos-related ailments. A mesothelioma attorney can explain FELA and other options to compensate asbestos victims.
In addition, railroad workers could be exposed to other work-related toxins, like diesel exhaust fumes, solvents and silica sand. These toxins can cause respiratory diseases like silicosis which is a serious lung disease that affects the lungs.
According to a research study conducted recently, work in railroad yards is associated with higher rates of mesothelioma compared to other industries. This is likely due to the increased exposure to toxic chemicals such as asbestos and diesel exhaust fumes as well as radiation from enriched uranium and plutonium. The study also shows that railroad workers who are older are more likely to die from mesothelioma than younger employees. This could be due to the fact that older workers were exposed more to diesel and steam engines, while younger workers were exposed to their emissions.
How do I determine the value of my case?
An experienced attorney can help injured railroad workers obtain compensation in cases where they suffer from cancer or other illnesses caused through exposure to the workplace. The Federal Employers Liability (FELA) law permits railroad employees to sue their employers for various ailments and injuries, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and others.
In most cases, the employer will offer to settle the matter instead of risking a judgment by jurors. An experienced railroad lawyer could examine a settlement offer to determine whether it is fair and adequate.
A skilled attorney may also examine a claim to find any evidence of asbestos or diesel fumes, solvents, or silica exposure at work. Many types of cancer and other illnesses have been linked to these substances, so a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer could assist a client in proving that their condition was caused by exposure to work.
In court, the defense may use the victim's smoking history to prove that their disease was not a result of exposure to asbestos at work. However, this rarely works. In fact, in an upcoming case, Conrail lost an appeal of the $2.3 million verdict when a jury found that Conrail did not prove that the plaintiff's condition due to smoking was not caused by exposure to asbestos in the railroad.