Railroad Lawsuits - Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Laryngeal Cancer
In 1908 Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act, which allows railroad workers to sue their employers if they suffer from work-related illness or injuries. This includes claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer.
In his lawsuit, Valdez claims he developed laryngeal cancer as a result of exposure to toxic substances in BNSF's workplace. This is a fact intensive issue that must be resolved by the jury.
Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma tumor is a cancer that affects mesothelium, the layer of tissue that protects the organs and tissues of the body. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos. Workers on railroad locomotives, freight cars and other equipment have been exposed to asbestos. They might also have been exposed to diesel exhaust, which is found in the ventilation systems of locomotives and railway engines.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients suffering from pleural cancer may experience chest pain (pleural effusions), fluid buildup in the lungs and abdomen, and breathing difficulties. Patients with peritoneal cancer may experience stomach pain, fatigue or weight loss. Testicular mesothelioma may cause swelling of lymph glands, fatigue, or a loss in appetite. The symptoms of mesothelioma might get worse over time.
After being exposed to asbestos, many railroad workers were diagnosed with mesothelioma. They were able, in some cases, to receive compensation from their railroad employers.
The Federal Employer's Liability Act allows railroad workers to make a FELA claim when they have suffered an injury while on the job. They have three years from the date of their diagnosis to bring a lawsuit against their employer. It is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as you can following a diagnosis. It is harder to prove an illness was the result of exposure to the railroad than other illnesses related to work.
Lung Cancer

Railroad workers are at high risk of developing cancer due to their constant exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals. Toxins include asbestos and diesel exhaust as well as other carcinogens.
These chemicals can cause lung and throat cancer. These substances can be ingested by those working on train repairs, while working around yards and railroad tracks or when removing old asbestos.
According to research, even a short exposure to these harmful substances can cause cancer. Asbestos, a common component in a variety of railroad engines, is the most well-known toxin that causes mesothelioma. However railroad lawsuits like esophageal cancer and non-Hodgkin's lupus are also connected to it. The benzene, which is found in crude oil, may also be released during railroad operations and may expose railroad workers to cancer.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer as a result of your work, it's imperative that you seek out an skilled FELA lawyer. FELA law allows railroad workers who have worked in the past or are currently employed in their lawsuits against their employers for injuries that were caused due to negligence while on the job. Contact us for a no-cost consultation if you have questions about filing a lawsuit. Our lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of injured railroad workers and their families. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for the victims and their families.
Head Cancer
Rail workers working outside are exposed to many hazardous chemicals. Some of them can cause cancer, such as head cancer. Although some cancers require long exposure, even short exposure to carcinogenic chemicals can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Laryngeal carcinoma is a kind of head cancer that occurs when tumors form in the voice box (larynx). This type of cancer can be difficult to treat, but it can be treated successfully if it is caught early. It is crucial to conduct regular check-ups with a person diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma. This will help prevent the spread of cancer. These visits will determine if the cancer has spread within the larynx, or to other areas of the body.
After years of working in trains and other areas of the railroad industry, many railway workers are diagnosed with mesothelioma. While some people have criticized these workers for suing for a "dying industry," mesothelioma lawsuits can hold accountable companies who blatantly ignored the health and well-being of dedicated railway workers to make profits. Additionally, mesothelioma lawsuits can help families receive the financial help they require to live the best possible life after an asbestos diagnosis. You are able to claim compensation for medical expenses and lost income. Compensation for mesothelioma may also be used to pay for funeral expenses and lost inheritance.
Laryngeal cancer
Laryngeal carcinoma is a kind of head and neck cancer that starts in the larynx, or throat. Most often, it is caused by excessive drinking and smoking. Laryngeal carcinoma is typically treated by radiation therapy and surgery. In certain instances chemotherapy may be necessary.
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing laryngeal cancer. Your doctor will employ a scope or mirror to examine your throat and larynx. If they discover an abnormal lump or tissue they will perform a biopsy to test for cancer.
A CT scan or an MRI of the neck and head can help doctors see the extent of the tumor or any lymph nodes that have gotten larger in the neck. A PET scan may also be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
The overall survival rates for these types of cancer are based on the stage of the cancer. Early laryngeal cancer, which occurs when the cancer isn't large and hasn't spread to other vocal cords or tissues is a better chance of cure than advanced tumors. Our firm has represented railroad workers who developed laryngeal cancer as a result of their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust on locomotive engines. They could be entitled to compensation for their losses.