Railroad Settlement For Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Rail workers are exposed to a variety of carcinogens, such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. This has led to numerous health issues that are serious like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
FELA provides current, former railroad workers the power to sue employers if toxic substances cause disease or death. Simmons Hanly Conroy's attorneys have years of experience in submitting FELA lawsuits on behalf of railroad workers injured across the country.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, develops in the mesothelium. This is an ossified layer that protects internal organs. The disease is caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can lead to various types of mesothelioma including peritoneal, pericardial, pleural and testicular mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases, which makes mesothelioma hard to determine. However the combination of blood tests as well as imaging scans and biopsy results can give the diagnosis.
CT (computerized Tomography) and MRI are imaging scans that can be used to identify mesothelioma. These scans can help doctors pinpoint the location of the tumor or other abnormalities in the body. They can also show whether the tumor has developed into the chest wall, diaphragm, heart, or abdominal cavity.
A biopsy is a procedure by which a small portion of tissue from the pleura or abdomen is removed and examined with the microscope. A biopsy can take place in two different ways that include VATS, which is a type keyhole surgery or CT-guided core biopsies. The latter procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, using an instrument and a CT scan. The surgical procedures to treat mesothelioma-pleural vary based on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include a pleurectomy or extrapleural pneumonectomy, a surgical removal of the affected pleura, or chemotherapy. Radiation can be used to reduce discomfort and kill cancerous cells that remain after chemotherapy and surgery.
How do I know whether I have mesothelioma not?
The symptoms of mesothelioma are different based on the type and stage of cancer. A physical exam and imaging test are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor can then conduct a tissue biopsy to determine whether or not the patient has mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that predominantly affects the lining of 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 have mesothelioma in the pleural area. The cause is that asbestos fibers cause inflammation and irritation in the pleura. Multiple myeloma settlements and irritation may result in tumors.
The doctor will test the patient to determine how far the cancer has spread. This will help them determine the best treatment option for the patient.
Pleural mesothelioma usually is treated surgically. Extrapleural pneumonectomy is one procedure that can be used to remove the entire lung and pleura along with a small part of diaphragm. Some patients will undergo the procedure of pleurectomy, which is limited with lung decortication. The procedure only removes the pleura and not the affected lungs. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options. Sometimes mesothelioma is treated with trimodality therapy. This is the combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and major surgery. The results of mesothelioma treatment depend on the type and stage of the disease, the patient's general medical and physical health as well as his or her age.
How Do I Know If My Mesothelioma is related to my Railway Work Experience?
Railroad workers may suffer from a variety of physical ailments resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace such as asbestos. Those suffering from an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma may be eligible 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 extensively used in railroad construction as it is cost-effective and durable, as well as fire-resistant. Unfortunately, it was later identified as a deadly carcinogen that caused a lot of railroad workers to develop asbestos-related illness. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will explain FELA and other types of compensation that are available to asbestos victims.
Furthermore, railroad workers could be exposed to other toxic substances in the workplace, including solvents, diesel exhaust fumes and silica sand. These toxins can trigger respiratory problems, including silicosis. This is a serious lung condition that affects the lungs.
According to a study done recently, work in railroad yards is associated with higher incidences of mesothelioma than other sectors. This is likely due to the higher exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and radiation from enriched plutonium and uranium. The study also shows that railroad workers who are older are more likely to die from mesothelioma than younger workers. This is due to the fact that older workers were exposed to early diesel and steam locomotives, while younger workers were exposed to the emissions from these engines.
How do I determine the worth of my case?
An experienced lawyer can assist injured railroad workers get compensation when they suffer from cancer or other ailments triggered by exposure to work-related hazards. The law referred to as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers to sue their employers for a variety of illnesses and injuries, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Often, the employer will usually offer to settle the case rather than risk a judgment by a jury. A railroad lawyer with experience can review the settlement to determine if it is fair, reasonable and acceptable.
A skilled attorney can also look into a case to discover evidence of asbestos as well as diesel fumes, solvents or silica exposition at work. Many different kinds of cancers and illnesses have been linked with these chemicals, so an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will help a patient establish that their illness was caused by exposure to work.
In court, defense attorneys can utilize the victim's history of smoking to show that their illness was not a result of exposure to asbestos at work. However it is rare for this to work. Conrail has lost a recent appeal of a $2.3million verdict because a jury determined that the company failed to prove that the plaintiff's smoking related illness was not caused by asbestos exposure at the railroad.