Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing chemicals at their work environments. Some workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other ailments as a result of their exposures.
In a case pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, our attorneys were able to secure an order of summary judgment for a major railroad carrier. Plaintiff alleged his cancer was caused by exposures to diesel exhaust, creosote and asbestos.
Risk Factors
Different factors can influence the kind of cancer that can be found in the esophagus. Some of these risk factors can be altered while others, like the age of the person and their family history are not able to be changed. The most commonly encountered form of esophageal cancer starts in the flat cells, called squamous cells, which make up the majority of the lining on the esophagus. This cancer is more prevalent among men and black people however the rate is decreasing worldwide.
The esophagus also contains glandular cells that produce mucus to aid in the passage of food into the stomach. The cells are concentrated in the lower part of the esophagus near the stomach. Adenocarcinomas are the most frequent type of esophageal tumours that can be found in these cells. They are more common in males and black individuals, but the trend is decreasing in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases by the amount of time they spend smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol. Heavy drinking over a long time increases the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma and a wide range of drinks are linked to this disease around the world such as tea 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 to toxic substances that increase the risk of developing esophageal tumors. These include solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides applied on rail tracks in order to deter the growth of plant growth, lead paints applied to railway bridges, diesel exhaust fumes as well as silica in industrial materials. The benzene found in creosote a toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties, can also contribute to this cancer.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis early can increase the chances of survival. The earlier cancer is identified the more likely it is to be treated. Early signs include difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and weight loss, hoarseness or coughing in the chest, chest pain, and the feeling that food is stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
Imaging tests can be utilized by a doctor to determine esophageal carcinoma. This could include an upper gastrointestinal examination using a barium swallow. This test involves swallowing a harmless liquid that coats the esophagus' surface, and then make it visible on an X-ray. The doctor may also order blood tests to determine if there is anemia or to check how the liver functions.
Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with esophageal tumors may be eligible for compensation from railroad companies who exposed them to harmful substances in the workplace. A qualified railroad esophageal esophageal cancer attorney could review an individual's situation and clarify their rights to claim financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
A seasoned FELA lawyer could begin gathering evidence to show that the railroad worker's esophageal carcinoma was the result of their exposure to diesel exhaust fumes, asbestos and other chemicals. railroad back injury settlements can also assist in determining the right amount of compensation for economic as well as non-economic loss.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed a variety of harmful substances, including creosote, diesel exhaust, asbestos and creosote. These substances can irritate the lining of the throat which can lead to esophageal carcinoma. Railroad workers are also at greater chance of developing other illnesses associated with their work including mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
The esophagus (also known as the 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 the cells that form the part of the lining of the esophagus or mucosa.
There are many treatment options for patients suffering from esophageal cancer. Surgery is usually paired with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
For stage I cancers, 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 for the removal of cancerous tissues, and for analyzing the indicators of cancer.
For cancers of stage II, doctors can opt for chemo or the combination of chemo and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancerous cells. Radiation utilizes X-rays with high energy instead of a similar principle to destroy cancerous cells in the esophagus. If the tumor is located in the upper part near the stomach, some patients may be treated with chemo instead radiation.
Prognosis
Patients with esophageal cancer that is not spreading are generally believed to be healthy. This is especially true if the cancer is discovered in its early stages and treated promptly.
The prognosis for a person is contingent on the type of cancer they are suffering from and their stage of cancer at the moment they are diagnosed. A person suffering from squamous-cell carcinoma which hasn't spread is believed to have higher survival rates than someone with adenocarcinoma.
In certain cases doctors may be able remove the tumor completely through surgery. This is known as Resection. This is especially common in squamous-cell carcinomas and cancers of the adenocarcinoma that have not spread.
Federal Employers Liability Act may provide an amount of money to railroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or other chronic illnesses that are connected to their job. If you suspect that your condition is related to exposure at work, contact an attorney representing railroad workers as soon as you can. You have three years under FELA to file a claim. If, however, you didn't know that your illness or cancer was connected to your job at the time of diagnosis, the statute of limitations may be extended. A lawyer who is knowledgeable about FELA cases can evaluate your case and decide if you should accept a settlement.