Railroad Settlement For Mesothelioma and Lung CancerRailroad workers have been exposed to numerous dangerous carcinogens including asbestos and diesel exhaust. This has led to numerous health issues that are serious including mesothelioma and lung cancer.FELA provides current, former, and retired railroad workers the ability to file lawsuits against employers if toxic substances cause illness or death. Simmons Hanly Conroy's lawyers have years of experience in submitting FELA lawsuits on behalf of railroad workers who have been injured across the nation.What is Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium - a layer of tissue that protects internal organs. The disease is caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can trigger various types of mesothelioma including pericardial, peritoneal, pleural and testicular mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in patients who have a long history of exposure to asbestos.The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to other types of cancer, which makes mesothelioma hard to recognize. However a combination of blood tests, imaging scans and biopsy results can give an accurate diagnosis.CT (computerized Tomography) and MRI are imaging scans that can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. These scans assist doctors in locating the tumor or other abnormalities within the body. These scans can also reveal whether the cancer has been able to spread to the chest diaphragm, abdomen cavity or diaphragm.A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a small portion of tissue from the abdomen or pleura is removed and examined under microscope. A biopsy can take place in two ways: a VATS, a type of keyhole surgery, or a CT-guided core biopsy that is performed under local anesthesia and a needle guided by the aid of a CT scan. The surgical procedures utilized to treat mesothelioma in the pleural region differ based on the stage of cancer. Treatment options include a pleural pneumonectomy or pleurectomy, surgical removal of the affected tissue or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is a method to reduce discomfort and kill cancerous cells that remain after surgery and chemotherapy.How do I determine if I have mesothelioma or not?Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the stage and type of cancer. The first step in determining the diagnosis is a physical examination and imaging scans. Then a doctor can perform a tissue biopsy in order to determine whether or not the patient is suffering from mesothelioma.Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, predominantly affects the lining of the lung. It can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal) or the testicles, heart and pericardium (pericardial). The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma suffer from mesothelioma of the pleural region. It occurs when asbestos fibers cause inflammation and irritation in the pleura. This irritation and inflammation leads to the formation of tumors.Once a mesothelioma diagnose is made, doctors will do tests to determine the extent the disease has spread. This will help them decide the most effective treatment options for the patient.Pleural mesothelioma can 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 a limited procedure called pleurectomy with lung decortication. The procedure only removes the pleura and not the affected lungs. The use of chemotherapy and radiation are also options. Trimodality therapy may be used to treat mesothelioma. This is a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and major surgery. The results of mesothelioma treatment depend on the nature and stage of the disease, a person's general medical and health history, and his or her age.How Can railroad settlement Tell If My Mesothelioma is related to My Railroad Experience?Railroad workers may suffer from a variety of physical ailments as a result of exposure to toxic substances in the workplace such as asbestos. Patients suffering from an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma could be eligible to receive compensation. csx settlement and their families that have been affected by asbestos should consult an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to determine if they are eligible for a FELA lawsuit.Asbestos is commonly employed in railroad construction due to the fact that it is affordable and abrasion-resistant. However, it was found to be a deadly carcinogen and caused many railroad workers to develop asbestos-related ailments. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can explain FELA and other types of compensation available for asbestos victims.In addition, railroad workers can be exposed to other toxic substances in the workplace, including solvents, diesel exhaust fumes and silica sand. These toxins can cause respiratory ailments, like silicosis. This is a serious lung disease that affects the lung.According to a study conducted recently that rail yard work is associated with higher rates of mesothelioma as well as other respiratory illnesses than other industries. This is probably due to the higher exposure to harmful substances such as diesel exhaust fumes, asbestos and radiation from enriched plutonium and uranium. The study also shows that older railroad workers have a higher chance of developing mesothelioma as compared to younger workers. This is due to the fact that older workers were exposed to steam and early diesel locomotives, whereas younger workers were exposed to the emissions from these engines.How do I determine the value of my case?An experienced lawyer can assist injured railroad workers obtain compensation when they suffer from cancer or other illnesses caused by on-the-job exposures. The law referred to as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad employees to sue their employers for a variety of illnesses and injuries including lung cancer and mesothelioma.Oft times, the company will settle the case to avoid the possibility of a jury decision. A knowledgeable railroad lawyer could examine a settlement offer to determine if it is fair and appropriate.A skilled attorney could also investigate a claim to discover any potential evidence of asbestos, solvents, diesel exhaust, or silica sand contamination at work. These substances have been linked to a variety of different types of cancers and illnesses. An attorney for mesothelioma could help a client establish that the disease was caused by exposure to workplace chemicals.In court, defense attorneys can use the victim's smoking history to show that their illness was not the result of workplace exposures. However this is not always the case. In a recent case Conrail lost an appeal of the $2.3 million verdict when jurors found that the company had not proved that the plaintiff's condition due to smoking was not at all caused by exposure to asbestos at the railroad.