Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer

Railroad workers are frequently exposed to cancer-causing chemicals at their work environment. Some workers develop mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases as a result exposures.

Our attorneys obtained summary judgment in a matter that was heard before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama on behalf of a major railroad company. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer was caused by exposure to creosote, creosote exhaust and diesel. asbestos.

Risk Factors

Different factors can influence the kind of cancer that can be found in an esophagus. Certain risk factors can be modified but others such as the age of the person and their family history are not able to be changed. The most prevalent form of esophageal cancer starts in the flat cells, or squamous cell, that make up the majority of the lining that covers the esophagus. This cancer is more prevalent in black and Railroad cancer settlements males however, the trend is decreasing globally.

The esophagus also has glandular cells which secrete mucus that aids in the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are situated near the stomach in the lower portion of the esophagus. The most frequent type of esophageal tumors found in these cells are adenocarcinomas. They're more common in men and blacks, however the trend is decreasing in the United States.

The risk of developing cancer of the esophagus increases with the amount of time spent smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Consuming a lot of alcohol over a long time increases the likelihood of developing squamous cell cancer and a variety of drinks are linked to this disease around the world, including brewed tea in Northern China, Brandie whiskey in the US and Europe and beer in Southern Africa, and distilled drinks in Latin America.

Railroad workers are regularly exposed to toxins which increase their chance of getting esophageal cancer, such as solvents used in cleaning equipment, herbicides that are applied along rail tracks in order to prevent weed growth, lead paint on railway bridges and facilities such as exhaust fumes from diesel engines, and silica derived from industrial materials. Creosote's benzene, an extremely toxic chemical used to treat railroad ties can also contribute to the development of this cancer.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis early can help to improve the odds of surviving. The earlier cancer is discovered the more likely it will be to be treated. Early symptoms include difficulty in swallowing weight loss, coughing, hoarseness and chest pain.

A doctor can detect esophageal tumors using imaging tests. They can include an upper gastrointestinal examination with a swallow of barium. The test involves swallowing harmless liquid to coat the esophagus's surface and show it on an X-ray. The doctor can also order blood tests to determine if there is anemia, and to determine how well the liver is functioning.

Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer could be entitled to compensation from the railroad companies that exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. A qualified railroad esophageal cancer attorney could review a person's situation and provide the rights to claim financial compensation accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.

An experienced FELA lawyer could begin gathering evidence to show that the railway worker's esophageal cancer was a result of their exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and other chemicals. A lawyer can also assist determine the appropriate amount of compensation for economic and other losses.

Treatment

Railroad workers are exposed to a range of hazardous substances such as creosote, diesel exhaust asbestos and creosote. These substances can cause irritation of the throat's lining which can lead to esophageal carcinoma. Railroad employees are at a higher risk of developing illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

The esophagus can be described as the hollow muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach and carries swallowed food and liquids to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer occurs in the cells that compose the part of the lining of the esophagus or mucosa.

Several treatment options are available for esophageal cancer. Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

For cancers of stage I, 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 to take out cancerous tissue and to look for symptoms of cancer.

Doctors can choose to use chemo or a combination of chemo-radiation, for stage II cancers. Chemotherapy drugs target cancerous cells and kill them. Radiation uses high-energy, X-rays instead of a similar concept to kill cancerous cells in the esophagus. In certain cases patients, it is possible to receive chemo without radiation, if the tumor is located in the upper portion of the esophagus close to the stomach.

Prognosis

People with esophageal carcinoma that has not spread are generally believed to be in good health. This is especially true when cancer is detected at an early stage, and treated promptly.

The prognosis for a person depends on their type of cancer and the stage at the time they were diagnosed. For instance, someone with squamous cell cancer that has not metastasized is believed to have a better survival rate than a person with adenocarcinoma that has not developed.

In some instances, a doctor might be able to remove the tumor by performing surgery. This is known as resection. This is most common in adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell carcinomas which haven't spread.

Federal Employers Liability Act may provide an amount of money to Railroad Cancer Settlements workers who are diagnosed with cancer, or any other chronic illness that are linked to their work. If you believe that your illness is related to exposure at work contact an attorney for settlements in the case of railroad cancer as soon as possible. You have three years under FELA to make a claim. However, if you did not realize that your illness or cancer was linked to your job at the time of diagnosis, the statute of limitations may be extended. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA claims could assess your situation and decide if you should accept an initial settlement offer.