Laryngeal Cancer and Mesothelioma - How to File a Railroad Lawsuit

The railroad workers dedicate their lives to a profession which often betrays them with a devastating cancer diagnosis. Mesothelioma will take away the golden years of these hardworking women and men.

Fortunately, Laryngeal Cancer Railroad injuries railroad employees who are currently working or have retired may be qualified for financial compensation by filing a FELA suit. This is because companies must provide a safe and secure working environment.

Statute of Limitations

The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) places limits on the amount of time the person is allowed to pursue a lawsuit for an illness or injury. These time limits are called statutes of limitations. It is essential for railroad workers who have been diagnosed with asbestos silica, diesel exhaust creosote, welding fumes to locate a business with experience handling FELA cases before it is too late.

In many states, there is a time limit of three years for FELA claims. The "clock" of three years does not begin until the employee suspects or is aware that their cancer was caused due to their job.

Laryngeal cancer, also known as squamous cells cancer of the larynx is one-third of neck and head malignancies, and is a significant cause of deaths due to cancer in the world. The majority of laryngeal cancers are found in the supraglottic zone, however, a tiny percentage of these cancers occur in the subglottic or glottic regions.

Rodrigo Cantu, of Lone Star Legal Aid, filed Lone Star Legal Aid's Rodrigo Cantu filed a FELA lawsuit in August on behalf of residents in Houston's Fifth Ward area and Kashmere Garden. The lawsuit alleges that Union Pacific's rail yard contaminants in these communities caused lung, bronchus and throat cancers. The lawsuit is based upon evidence that shows higher than expected rates of cancers in the communities. It also includes health and safety reports that reveal a connection between Union Pacific's leaking of chemicals and the illnesses of residents.

Exposure to Toxic Substances

Rail workers are exposed to toxic chemicals, such as diesel exhaust, asbestos and benzene. These carcinogens could increase the risk of developing cancer for railroad workers. For instance, exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and laryngeal cancer railroad injuries cancer. These illnesses can strip workers of their health and the enjoyment they get from their retirement.

In one instance in another, a former BNSF railroad employee filed an action against the company alleging that exposure to emissions from locomotives caused his throat cancer. The plaintiff, Timothy Zastava, Laryngeal Cancer Railroad Injuries worked on trains for four decades. He claims that he inhaled second-hand smoke from cigarettes asbestos, diesel exhaust and asbestos when working.

The lawsuit claims that the defendant is in violation of the Federal Employers Liability Act. The lawsuit also seeks compensation for Zastava's medical costs and legal costs.

After retirement, a lot of railroad workers develop mesothelioma. The disease can endanger their golden years, and prevent them from enjoying retirement. It is therefore important for these patients to have an experienced mesothelioma attorney to help them. They can assist them in seeking the compensation they deserve. They can also assist in filing an FELA claim within the timeframe of the statute of limitations. This is crucial for ensuring that the victim's claim is not rejected by the court.

Causation

Around one-third of all head and neck cancers are laryngeal. They are associated with significant morbidity as well as death. The cancers can affect multiple places, which can affect their appearance pattern, spread patterns, as well as treatment options. The early stage of cancer, typically squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC), can be treated by surgery or radiation. These methods are often able to preserve the voice.

It is generally believed that larynx carcinoma develops due to a genetic mutation that triggers an uncontrolled growth of cells. The cells then grow into tumors, which spread to other parts of the body, and eventually cause death for the patient. It is not understood what causes these changes to occur. The most frequently cited risk factors for developing laryngeal cancer are smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Some occupations can also increase your likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer, including exposures to sulfuric acid, metalworking fluids and fumes.

Patients usually visit their primary physician complaining of hoarseness or otalgia. They may be complaining of weight loss. If they have a history of smoking cigarettes and/or smoking, an ENT surgeon should be consulted. The majority of laryngeal cancers are squamous cells cancers. However, rare malignancies like sarcomas and adipose tumors are also discovered in the throat. Laryngeal cancers typically are classified as pathologic and clinical stage T (Table 1) and N (Table 2) T1 being the most frequent staging group.

Damages

A railroad worker who is diagnosed with laryngeal cancer has to deal with many emotional, physical, and financial consequences. A successful lawsuit can provide financial support for medical treatment, lost income and ongoing expenses.

Some studies have suggested that people who work in the railway industry could be more prone to developing different types of cancer. Workers in the railroad industry are exposed to diesel exhaust and asbestos in their workplaces. This means that they could be at a higher risk of suffering from laryngeal cancer.

A mesothelioma lawyer will review the history of work and determine if a railroad worker was exposed to hazardous substances or particles at their workplace. They can also determine if the client's cancer is related to their exposures at work by medical professionals who are reputable.

In a recent trial, jurors gave a former railroad worker $7.5 million for his prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals. James Brown was a mechanic at the Chicago & North Western Railroad and Union Pacific Railroads for over 18 years. He claims he was constantly exposed to creosote and cleaning agents while working on the railroad. Brown developed acute myeloid leukemia directly as a result of his decades-long exposure to these chemicals.