Railroad Settlement For Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Railroad workers have been exposed to numerous carcinogens that pose danger, such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. This has resulted in numerous health issues that are serious including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
FELA provides current, former, and retired railroad workers the option to sue their employers if harmful substances cause disease or death. Simmons Hanly Conroy has attorneys experienced in submitting FELA claims on behalf of injured railroad workers nationwide.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, that affects the mesothelium - a layer of protective tissue surrounding organs inside. The disease is caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure can result in different kinds of mesothelioma, including testicular, peritoneal or pleural, and pericardial mesothelioma. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements who have a history asbestos exposure are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Blood tests, imaging scans, and biopsy are all required to determine mesothelioma.
Imaging scans used to diagnose mesothelioma can be found in CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These scans can help doctors locate the site of the tumor as well as other anomalies in the body. They can also tell whether the tumor has spread to the chest wall, diaphragm, heart, or abdominal cavity.
A biopsy is a procedure in which a small portion of tissue from the abdomen or pleura is taken and examined using a microscope. A biopsy can take place in two ways one of which is VATS, also known as a type keyhole surgery or CT-guided core biopsies. The latter is done under local anesthesia, using a needle and a CT scan. The surgical procedures used in treating mesothelioma pleural vary according to the stage of cancer. Treatment options include a pleurectomy and extrapleural pneumonectomy. This is a surgical removal of the affected pleura, or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can reduce pain and kill cancerous cells that remain after chemotherapy and surgery.
How do I determine whether I have mesothelioma not?
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of cancer and the stage at which it is diagnosed. A physical exam and imaging test are the first step in identifying mesothelioma. A doctor may then conduct an examination of the tissue to determine if the patient has mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is primarily affecting the lining of the lung (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart and testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). The majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have pleural mesothelioma. This occurs when asbestos fibers cause inflammation and irritation in the pleura. This inflammation and irritation lead to the formation of tumors.
The doctor will test the patient to determine how far the cancer has spread. This will enable them to determine the best treatment for the patient.
The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are able to be treated surgically. This could include a procedure called extrapleural pneumonectomy, where 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. This procedure eliminates the pleura, but not the affected lung. Chemotherapy and radiation are also options. Sometimes, mesothelioma can be treated with trimodality therapy, which is the use of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and major surgery. The outcome of mesothelioma therapies depends on the type, stage, and history of the disease.
How Do I Know What Is My Mesothelioma Is Related to My Railroad Work?
Rail workers are susceptible to various ailments resulting from asbestos exposure. Those suffering from an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma could qualify for compensation. Railroad workers and their families that have been impacted by asbestos should contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to determine if they are eligible to file a FELA lawsuit.
Asbestos is commonly used in railroad construction as it is cheap, durable and fire resistant. It was later discovered that it was a cancerous and deadly substance, and many railroad workers developed asbestos-related ailments. An attorney for mesothelioma can explain FELA as well as other compensation options available to asbestos victims.
Railroad workers are also exposed to other workplace toxins such as diesel exhaust fumes. Solvents and silica dust. These toxins can cause respiratory problems, including silicosis. This is a serious lung disorder that affects the lungs.
According to a research study conducted recently, work in railroad yards is associated with higher incidences of mesothelioma than other sectors. This is likely due to increased exposure to toxins like asbestos and diesel exhaust fumes as well as radiation from enriched uranium as well as plutonium. The study also shows that older railroad workers have a higher chance of dying from mesothelioma when compared to younger workers. This is likely because older workers were exposed to early diesel and steam locomotives, whereas younger workers were exposed to the fumes from these engines.
How do I determine the value of my case?
In the event that railroad employees suffer from cancer or other illnesses related to on-the-job exposures An experienced attorney can help the injured person seek compensation. The law known as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) permits railroad employees to sue their employers for a variety of injuries and illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Often, employers will usually offer to settle the case rather than risk a judgment by a jury. A railroad lawyer who has experience can review the settlement to determine if it is fair and appropriate.
A skilled attorney can also look into a case to discover evidence of asbestos, diesel fumes, solvents, or silica exposure at work. Different types of cancer and other illnesses have been linked to these substances, and an experienced mesothelioma lawyer may assist a client in proving that their illness was caused by workplace exposures.
The defense could try to draw on the victim's past experience with smoking cigarettes to establish that the illness was not the result of workplace exposures but this isn't always successful in court. In fact, in a recent case, Conrail lost an appeal of a $2.3 million verdict after the jury found that the company was not able to prove that the plaintiff's health condition caused by smoking was not at least partly due to exposure to asbestos in the railroad.