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Moving Toward a Safer New York

Another summer is approaching, and along with sunny and longer days come summer’s unique seasonal hazards. In our continuous effort to make New York a safer place for everyone, we present information and steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safer from preventable summer accidents, injuries and illnesses. Each month we’ll be adding new information to this page to keep reminding New Yorkers of the everyday dangers to their physical health, and legal rights they may have if they succumb to those dangers.

The Wrath of the Sun: Skin Cancer

The rate of skin cancer in the United States has been on the rise during the past several decades. The causes of this increase are debatable (and inevitably, political) but the facts about skin cancer aren’t. Experts are predicting more than 1 million new cases of basal or squamous cell carcinoma will be reported in 2005, and nearly 60,000 new cases of the highly lethal malignant melanoma. About 11,000 people will die as a direct result of some form of skin cancer this year, and many of those who survive will carry lifelong scars and disfigurement. More than 90 per cent of skin cancer cases will result from over-exposure to the sun.

What can you do to protect yourself? If you’re the indoors type, the # 1 rule is simple: stay out of the sun. But for most of us, it’s just no fun to live our lives as shut-ins for the whole summer. These are a few ways we can stay safe:

Avoid tanning and sunbathing, and wear long-sleeved clothing, hats and sunglasses whenever you are outside for extended periods of time.

Avoid being outside in peak sunlight hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wear lotion with a minimum of 15 SPF, and avoid highly reflective surfaces, such as water, sand or pavement.

Many cases of skin cancer begin in areas of the body that have already suffered physical damage. Scars, burns, cuts and bruises should always be covered with bandages and/or clothing when outdoors in the summer.

Diagnosing Skin Cancer: Types and Signs

Skin cancer usually arrives in one of three forms: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma has a low mortality rate and can be fully treated with early detection. Symptoms are characterized by a large oval-shaped bump that may develop into a bleeding ulcer. Discoloration of the skin on the chest or back is also a symptom of basal cell.

Squamous cell carcinoma looks as unappealing as it sounds, but is rarely lethal if treated promptly by a physician. In typical squamous cell cases, a wart will appear and continue to grow. Other cases include bleeding sores that won’t heal. As with basal cell, squamous cell patients have a 95 per cent survival rate.

Melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer. Its symptoms may include changes in a mole or birthmark; elevated or flat spots with irregular borders; clusters of shiny, dark bumps, or skin formations with a diameter of a pencil eraser. The low survival rate of melanoma increases significantly for those who seek immediate medical help.

As with all types of cancer, time is of the essence when successfully treating skin cancer. Doctors or specialists who fail to identify skin cancer, or misdiagnose clear symptoms of skin cancer as another condition, can in many cases be held accountable under New York State law. In New York, contact RGG&L today for legal assistance with your medical negligence c ase.

Skin Cancer: Another Occupational Risk for Construction Workers

Few occupations expose workers to more harsh sunlight than construction work. Construction workers must take special care to ensure that they have the proper skin protection when working outside for days at a time. Construction workers who contract skin cancer may require legal assistance in obtaining adequate compensation for the medical and financial costs of skin cancer.

If you are a construction worker and you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, you should talk to an attorney about your rights to compensation. In many cases, workers compensation laws help employers avoid compensation for skin cancer, and you may need to pursue compensation under federal programs, such as the Employee Retirement Insurance Security Act (ERISA), or against other parties. Whenever possible, RGG&L is here to help injured construction workers pursue their rights under New York State law.