Railroad Settlement for Lymphoma and Mesothelioma
Cancer devastates entire families. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with cancer due to your railroad job, our attorneys might be able help. Railroad workers can sue their employers for compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
For example, a railroad worker might develop mesothelioma lung cancer as a result of exposure to diesel exhaust. They may also develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma or leukemia from chemicals used to maintain railroad right-of-way space.
Mesothelioma
The most common form of mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines and covers the lungs. Mesothelioma can also occur in the tissue surrounding the heart (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that surrounds the testicles (testicular mesothelioma).
The symptoms of malignant mesothelioma differ by body location. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort in the rib cage and abdominal swelling are some symptoms. Other symptoms include weight gain, fatigue and fever.
A doctor can identify the disease by using CT scans or MRIs. They can also order biopsy, which is where they remove a small amount of tumor or fluid to look for cancerous cells.
If mesothelioma is a diagnosis that is confirmed, your doctor will create a treatment plan that is customized to meet your specific requirements. They may suggest radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery.
Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibres can get caught in the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These fibres can cause irritation to tissues and cause DNA damage. This can cause mesothelioma tumors to form from abnormal cells. The risk of developing this disease is higher in those who have been exposed to asbestos or lived with someone that did. It takes time before symptoms begin to manifest. Therefore, many people do not notice any symptoms or signs until the disease is in an advanced stage.
Lung Cancer
A railroad worker could be diagnosed with lung cancer after exposure to diesel exhaust, or chemicals used in maintaining right-of-way zones. A recent study has linked the use of glyphosate, a weedkiller, to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among maintenance workers.
Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer that is found in the United States. About 85% of cases are non-small-cell lung cancer which includes adenocarcinomas, as well as squamous cell carcinomas. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for the remaining 15 percent of cases.
The stage at which lung cancer is diagnosed determines the treatment. If the cancer is not advanced beyond the lungs and is caught early, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are effective. Unfortunately, the majority of patients diagnosed with lung cancer have advanced disease at the time of their diagnosis.
Other symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that doesn't disappear, breathing issues, fatigue and weight loss. Some patients with lung cancer suffer from metastasis, which is when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, including the bones, brain, or adrenal glands.
In addition to pain and suffering and emotional distress non-economic damages can also result in the loss of enjoyment in life. A Chicago FELA attorney can help an injured railroad employee collect evidence that their work is linked to the development of cancer or another chronic disease.
Multiple Myeloma
If you're diagnosed with multiple myeloma the treatment plan you choose will include chemotherapy medicines such as lenalidomide and the pomalidomide. Your doctor may also recommend a stem cell transplant which is usually the best option for patients suffering from multiple myeloma. The transplant replaces the abnormal plasma cells that produce myeloma protein, by healthy ones.
In certain instances, doctors can identify multiple myeloma by conducting blood tests. These tests can detect M proteins made by myeloma cells. They also provide clues to how advanced the disease has become. Other blood tests assess kidney function, bone health and calcium levels. Imaging tests, like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can reveal bone problems caused by multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma can be treated by many specialists that include your haematologist. This can include a general practitioner (GP) or dietitian, as well as radiation oncologist. Palliative treatment can help manage pain or other symptoms, as well as other symptoms.
While current treatments can control multiple myeloma, they cannot cure it. You can take part in clinical trials that explore new treatments or improve ones that are already in place. Talk to railroad injury settlement amounts about the treatment options available to you, and if you're eligible to take part in a trial. Alternative therapies are not widely used to treat multiple myeloma. However, natural treatments could help alleviate some of the adverse effects of treatment.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in stem cells that make blood known as hematopoietic cell. These cells are responsible for generating white blood cells to fight infections and red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body, and platelets that help clot the blood after an injury. When cancerous leukemia cells multiply within the bone marrow, they crowd out healthy hematopoietic stem cells. They prevent the production of healthy red blood cells white blood cells and platelets.
Leukemia is divided into several types by the blood cell type affected and whether it is chronic or acute. Some leukemias are caused by immature blood cells, which will typically transform into monocytes or granulocytes These are referred to as myeloid leukemias. Leukemias can begin in lymphocytes in the form of immature cells which will then grow into T-cells or B cells. They are immune system cells and fight infection directly. Acute leukemias are quickly progressing and require immediate treatment.
Chronic leukemias are slower-moving and often go into remission even without treatment. They are also known as chronic lymphocytic or myelogenous (CML). The most frequent kind of CLL is chromosome positive chronic lymphocytic tumor, is found in people over 55. Hairy cell leukemia is another rare type of CLL. Its name comes from the appearance it reveals under microscopes.
A railroad worker who develops a cancer as a result of an exposure to chemicals may be eligible for workers compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). A lawyer can establish that railroads were negligent in handling hazardous chemicals in order to ensure that injured railroad workers receive fair compensation.