Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Rail workers are often exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in their work environments. Certain workers develop lung cancer, mesothelioma and other diseases as a consequence of their exposure to chemicals.
In railroad back injury settlements in the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, our lawyers were able to obtain an order of summary judgment for a major railroad company. union pacific settlements claimed that his cancer was caused by exposures to creosote, diesel exhaust and asbestos.
Risk Factors
The kind of cancer that develops in a person's esophagus is determined by several factors. These risk factors could be changeable in some cases, but others like the history of a family member or age can't. The most common form of cancer in the esophagus begins in the flat cells that comprise the majority of the lining the esophagus. They are referred to as squamous cells. It's more common in men and blacks, however this trend is declining across the world.
The esophagus has glandular cells that release mucus in order to aid the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach. These cells are situated near the stomach in the lower region of the esophagus. The most common type of esophageal cancers in these cells are adenocarcinomas. The majority of these tumors are found in men and in black people, but they're also on the decline in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases with the amount of time they spend smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol. Heavy drinking over a long time increases the risk of developing squamous cell cancer and a wide range of drinks are associated with this condition around the globe which includes tea that is brewed in Northern China, Brandie whiskey in the US and Europe and beer in Southern Africa, and distilled drinks in Latin America.
Railroad workers are exposed contaminants that increase the risk of esophageal carcinoma. This includes solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides applied on rail tracks to prevent the growth of weeds, lead paints on railway bridges, diesel exhaust fumes and silica found in industrial materials. The cancer could be caused by the toxic chemical creosote that is used to treat railroad tie.
Multiple myeloma settlements can help to improve the chance of survival. This is due to the fact that esophageal cancer is more curable when it is in the earlier stages and is not spreading to other organs. The first signs are difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and weight loss, hoarseness or coughing 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 identify the presence of esophageal cancer. These may include an upper gastrointestinal test with a barium swallow. This test involves swallowing a harmless liquid to coat the esophagus's inner surface and reveal it on an X-ray. The doctor may also order blood work to check for anemia or to check how the liver functions.
Railroad workers who are diagnosed with esophageal tumors may be entitled to compensation from railroad companies who exposed them to harmful substances in the workplace. A qualified railroad esophageal cancer attorney can evaluate the circumstances of a client and explain the rights they have to claim financial compensation accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.
An experienced FELA lawyer can begin assembling evidence to prove that the railway worker's esophageal cancer was the result of exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. A lawyer can also help determine the appropriate compensation for economic and other losses.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed many hazardous substances, including diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote. These substances can cause irritation of the lining of the throat which can lead to esophageal carcinoma. Railroad workers are also at a greater risk of developing illnesses caused by their work including mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
The esophagus is the hollow muscular tube which connects the mouth to the stomach. It also transports swallowed food and liquids to the digestive tract. Esophageal carcinoma occurs in the cells that form the lining of the stomach, or mucosa.
Esophageal cancer can be treated in different ways. Surgery is usually combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Doctors can use either endoscopic submucosal disection (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 to remove precancerous tissues and examining them for symptoms of cancer.
For stage II cancers, doctors can opt for chemo or an combination of chemo with radiation. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancerous cells and eliminate them. Radiation makes use of high-energy X-rays instead of a similar approach to kill cancerous cells within the esophagus. In some instances the patient can receive chemo without radiation, if the tumor is located in the upper portion of the esophagus close to the stomach.
Prognosis
A person with esophageal cancer that hasn't spread (metastasized) is generally believed to have a favorable prognosis. This is especially true if cancer is detected at an early stage, and treated promptly.
However, a person's prognosis depends on the type of cancer they are suffering from and their stage of cancer at the moment they are diagnosed. A person who has squamous-cell cancer that isn't spreading is likely to have a better chance of survival as compared to a person with adenocarcinoma.
In certain instances, a doctor may be able remove the tumor by performing surgery. Resection is the word used to describe this. This is most common in squamous-cell carcinomas and Adenocarcinomas which have not spread.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illness associated with their work could be entitled to financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If you suspect your illness is related to exposure at work, contact an expert railroad settlement lawyer as soon as you can. You have three years under FELA to make an claim. If you weren't aware that your cancer was linked to your job when you were diagnosed, the statute of limitation could be extended. A lawyer with experience in FELA cases can evaluate your case and decide whether you should accept a settlement offer.