Are Railroad Settlement Asthma As Important As Everyone Says?

Railroad Settlement For Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Rail workers are exposed to many carcinogens, such as asbestos and diesel exhaust. Many railroad workers have been diagnosed with serious health issues, including mesothelioma, or lung cancer.

FELA allows railroad workers, both former and current employees to sue their employers if toxic substances cause illness or death. Simmons Hanly Conroy's lawyers have years of experience filing FELA lawsuits on behalf of injured railroad workers across the nation.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is found in the mesothelium. This is the protective layer that surrounds internal organs. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of the disease. Exposure to asbestos can lead to different types of mesothelioma: testicular, peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, and pericardial. Patients with a history asbestos exposure are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsy are all required to diagnose mesothelioma.

Imaging scans that are used to diagnose mesothelioma include CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These scans help doctors locate the cancerous tumor and other irregularities within the body. These scans can also show if the cancer has been able to spread to the chest diaphragm, abdomen cavity or diaphragm.

A biopsy is a procedure which involves taking a small sample of abdominal or pleural tissue to be examined under the microscope. A biopsy can be done in two ways: a VATS, a type of keyhole surgery or CT-guided biopsy, which is performed under local anesthesia, using an instrument guided by an CT scan. The surgical procedures used to treat mesothelioma pleural differ based on the stage of cancer. Treatment options include a pleurectomy, extrapleural pneumonectomy, which is a surgical removal of the affected pleura, or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is a method to reduce the pain and kill cancerous cells that remain after surgery and chemotherapy.

How can I tell whether I have mesothelioma or not?

The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ based on the type of cancer and its stage. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and imaging scans. A doctor can then perform an examination of the tissue to determine if a patient has mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma mostly affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also affect the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have mesothelioma in the pleural area. This occurs when asbestos fibers cause inflammation and irritation in the pleura. This irritation and inflammation can lead to tumors.

Doctors will conduct tests on the patient to determine how far the cancer has spread. This will help them determine the most effective treatment options for the patient.

Most often, pleural cancers will be treated with surgery. Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a procedure that can be used to eliminate the entire lung and pleura as well as a portion of diaphragm. Certain patients may undergo one procedure that is limited, called pleurectomy with lung decortication. This removes only the pleura and not the affected lungs. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are other options. Sometimes, mesothelioma is treated using trimodality therapy, which is a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and major surgery. The outcomes of mesothelioma treatment depend on the type and severity of the disease, as well as a person's general health and medical history, and his or her age.

How Do I Determine if My Mesothelioma Is Related to My Railroad Work?

Rail workers can be affected by various ailments resulting from asbestos exposure. Compensation may be offered to those suffering from asbestos-related ailments, such as mesothelioma. Railroad workers and their families who are affected by asbestos should speak with an experienced mesothelioma law firm to determine if they qualify for an FELA lawsuit.

Asbestos was widely used in railroad construction due to its cost and durability, as well as its fire resistance. It was later discovered that it was a cancerous and deadly substance, and many railroad workers suffered asbestos-related diseases. An attorney who specializes in mesothelioma will explain FELA as well as other options to compensate asbestos victims.

Furthermore, railroad workers could be exposed to other toxic substances in the workplace, including solvents, diesel exhaust fumes and silica sand. These contaminants can cause respiratory conditions, such as silicosis. This is a serious lung problem that affects the lungs.

According to a study conducted recently, work in railroad yards is associated with higher rates of mesothelioma compared to other industries. This is likely due in part to increased exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos, diesel exhaust fumes and radiation from enriched uranium and plutonium. The study also shows that older railroad workers are at a greater chance of dying from mesothelioma compared to 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 fumes from these engines.

How do I Determine the Value of My Case?

An experienced lawyer can help injured railroad workers seek compensation in cases where they suffer from cancer, or other illnesses triggered through exposure to the workplace. The Federal Employers Liability (FELA) law allows railroad workers to sue their employer for various injuries and illnesses including mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Most of the time, the employer will often offer to settle the case rather than risk a verdict by jurors. A knowledgeable railroad lawyer can review a settlement offer and determine whether it is fair, reasonable and acceptable.

A knowledgeable attorney could also examine a claim to determine if there is evidence of asbestos or diesel fumes, solvents or silica exposures at work. Different kinds of cancers and illnesses have been linked to these substances, and an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will help a client find proof that their condition was caused by workplace exposures.

In  railroad settlements , the defense can make use of the victim's smoking history to show that their illness wasn't caused by exposure to asbestos at work. However, this rarely works. Conrail was unsuccessful in an appeal against a $2.3million verdict due to a jury that found that the company was unable to prove that the plaintiff's tobacco related illness was not caused by asbestos exposure at the railroad.