Railroad Settlement For Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Railroad workers are exposed to a myriad of carcinogens that cause cancer, including asbestos and diesel exhaust. This has resulted in numerous health issues that are serious such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and mesotheli.
FELA allows railroad workers, both present and former workers to sue their employers if toxic substances cause illness or even death. Simmons Hanly Conroy's lawyers have years of experience in submitting FELA lawsuits for railroad workers who have been injured across the nation.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, that affects the mesothelium - a layer of protective tissue that surrounds internal organs. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of the disease. Exposure to asbestos can cause different types of mesothelioma including pericardial, peritoneal, mesothelioma of the testicular and pleural. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed in patients with an extensive history of exposure to asbestos.
The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to those of other diseases and make mesothelioma a challenge to recognize. However a combination of blood tests along with 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 any other anomalies in the body. They can also determine whether the tumor has been able to spread to the chest wall, diaphragm or abdominal cavity or the heart.
A biopsy is an operation that involves the taking of a small sample of abdominal or pleural tissue to be examined under the microscope. A biopsy can take place in two ways: a VATS - which is a form of keyhole surgery, or a CT-guided core biopsy that is performed under local anesthesia and a needle guided by the aid of a CT scan. The surgical procedures used in treating mesothelioma of the pleura vary based on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include pleurectomy or pleural pleural surgical removal of the affected tissue or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can be used to reduce the pain and kill cancerous cells that remain after chemotherapy and surgery.
How Do I Know If I Have Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ 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 diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor can then perform an analysis of the patient's tissue to determine if a patient has mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is primarily affecting the lining of the lung. It can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal) or the testicles, the heart and pericardium (pericardial). The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are suffering from mesothelioma of the pleura, which occurs when asbestos fibers with sharp edges irritate and inflame the pleura. The inflammation and irritation leads to the development of tumors.
If a mesothelioma-related diagnosis is established, doctors will perform tests to see how far the disease has spread. This will allow them to determine the best treatment option for the patient.
The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are able to be treated through surgery. Extrapleural pneumonectomy can be a procedure that can be used to remove the entire lung and pleura, and also a small portion of diaphragm. Some patients may have one procedure that is limited, called pleurectomy with lung decortication. The procedure only removes the pleura and not the lungs affected. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are other options. Trimodality therapy is often used to treat mesothelioma. This is a mix of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and major surgery. The success of mesothelioma therapy is contingent on the type, stage, and the history of the disease.
How Do I Determine whether My Mesothelioma Is Related to My Railroad Work?
Railroad workers can suffer from a variety of physical ailments as a result of exposure to toxic substances in the workplace which include asbestos. People suffering from asbestos-related condition like mesothelioma could qualify for compensation. Railroad employees and their families who are affected by asbestos should contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to determine if they qualify for a FELA lawsuit.
Asbestos is commonly used in railroad construction as it is cheap and durable, as well as fire-resistant. It was later discovered that it was a deadly cancerous material and many railroad workers were diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. An attorney who specializes in mesothelioma will explain FELA and other options to compensate asbestos victims.
In addition, railroad workers can be exposed to other toxic substances in their workplace, such as diesel exhaust fumes, solvents and silica sand. These contaminants can trigger respiratory ailments, like silicosis. This is a serious lung condition that affects the lung.
According to a study conducted recently railroad yard work is associated with higher levels of mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses than other industries. This is likely due to the increased exposure to toxins such as asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and radiation from enriched uranium as well as plutonium. The study also reveals that older railroad workers are at a greater chance of dying from mesothelioma when compared to younger workers. This is due to the fact that older workers were exposed to early diesel and steam locomotives, whereas younger employees were exposed to the fumes of these engines.
How Do I Determine the worth of my case?
If railroad employees suffer from cancer or other illnesses caused by exposure to work, an experienced attorney could assist the person suffering from injury to seek compensation. The law referred to as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad employees to sue their employers for a wide range of illnesses and injuries, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Most of the time, the employer will often offer to settle the case rather than risk a verdict by a jury. A knowledgeable railroad lawyer could examine a settlement offer to determine whether it is fair, reasonable and acceptable.
A knowledgeable attorney can investigate a claim to discover any potential evidence of asbestos and solvents, diesel exhaust, or silica sand exposure during work. cancer settlements of cancer and other illnesses have been associated with these substances, and an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help a client find proof that their illness was caused by exposure at work.
The defense may attempt to make use of the victim's experiences with smoking cigarettes to prove that the disease was not the result of workplace exposures however this is not always successful in court. Conrail had to drop an appeal in the recent case of a $2.3million verdict because a jury found that the company failed to prove that the plaintiff's smoking related illness wasn't caused by asbestos exposure at the railroad.