Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury awarded $7.5m to a railroad worker who developed leukemia following exposure to toxic chemicals. He worked for two different railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene which is a carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him handle creosote-coated ties and equipment. He claimed that he was often completely covered by the chemical.
Benzene
The chemical Benzene is one of the numerous harmful chemicals that could cause cancer is a carcinogen. It is a carcinogen, which is present in diesel exhaust fumes, which railroad workers are frequently exposed to. Benzene exposure has been linked to myelodysplastic disorder (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Hodgkin lymphoma, in addition to other blood cancers.
Creosote as well as diesel exhaust and other carcinogens are all common exposures for railway workers. Workers' compensation could pay for certain losses and expenses but not all. railroad cancer lawsuit against a railroad may help plaintiffs recover damages not covered by workers compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson won a benzene settlement against his employer. Her husband worked as an employee in maintenance of ways for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 until 2008. He was exposed to a range of petroleum solvents like creosote which contained benzene, coal tar distilates naphtha, paint strippers and naphtha. During his career, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including one type of leukemia known as myelodysplastic syndrome. He passed away in November 2009 of this illness. The settlement he was awarded by the jury was $7 million. This sum covers a large portion of his medical expenses, lost income and pain and discomfort.
Creosote
Creosote contains a number of chemicals, including dioxin, pentachlorophenol and polycyclic halocarbons. Long-term exposure can cause irritation of the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a leukemia-like illness known as acute myeloidleukemia have also been associated with long-term creosote exposure.
Creosote may enter the body via the lungs, the stomach and intestines if food that is contaminated is consumed, drinking water that is contaminated or by contact with the skin. It is quickly absorbed by the skin. Exposure can cause damage to the kidneys, liver as well as the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The toxic mixture is also taken up through the eyes and may lead to a range of illnesses.
Railroad workers are exposed to many hazardous chemicals at their workplaces. When they are injured by these harmful substances, they deserve compensation from their employer. Contact our railroad injury lawyers today to discuss your case.
Hull is a small Florida town, was once the home of an old railroad company that used coal-tar-based creosote on wood to waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When the company was acquired by CSX years ago, the chemicals spread to contaminate the surrounding property. Residents are now suing CSX over the contamination of their drinking water and homes. Regan the EPA Administrator, visited the area to learn more. Residents claim that contaminated drinking waters close to the UPRR facility cause leukemia in children as well as other health issues.
Asbestos
Over the years asbestos was utilized to make railroad materials. Many railroad workers were exposed asbestos dust while working in steam trains and around or inside repair shops. The asbestos particles were frequently carried home on the hair and clothing of the workers which exposed their loved ones to the deadly substance.
Despite the dangers that come with asbestos exposure, railroad companies have been ignoring or denying this for many years. Railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer later in life did not receive the proper compensation from their employers.
Due to their complexity asbestos lawsuits differ from other workers' comp claims. Railroad workers may be able to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a different way to traditional workers' compensation laws. FELA permits railroad employees suffering from asbestos-related illnesses to file a claim in the event that they can prove their employer's negligence was the cause of their injury.
Plaintiffs in the case claim that the railroad contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and did not do anything to clean it up. The residents of the community that lived in the area at the time of the contamination suffered from throat and lung cancers, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. They also suffered from the loss in property value due to the contamination.
Lead
Those who work on railroads are exposed to a variety of carcinogenic substances, chemicals and fumes. These harmful chemicals are known to cause leukemia as well as other fatal illnesses among employees. A lot of these exposures are a result of negligence by railroads.
Rail workers are exposed many toxins, including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and asbestos. These exposures can result in various long-term health issues including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal carcinoma, kidney cancer, as well as other forms of leukemia.
One primary cause of leukemia as well as other blood and bone marrow disorders is benzene exposure. The colorless, flammable liquid that has the ability to evaporate into the air. It is used in many industrial processes and is present in small amounts in the natural environment. Benzene is also found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene can cause serious effects on the body, particularly if it is breathed in or consumed.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your case If you were employed on a train or railroad and were diagnosed with a serious disease such as leukemia, due to the negligence of your employer. We can assist you in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Our lawyers are knowledgeable and devoted to helping Texans that have been wronged or injured.