Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury has awarded $7.5m to the railroad worker who developed leukemia following exposure to toxic chemicals. He worked for two railroads and was exposed to Benzene, which is a known carcinogen.
The plaintiff's work required him to handle creosote-coated ties as well as equipment. He claimed that the chemical was often covering his entire body from head to toe.
Benzene
Benzene, among the numerous harmful chemicals that could cause cancer, is a carcinogen. It is a recognized carcinogen that is found in diesel exhaust fumes, which railroad workers are regularly exposed to. Exposure to benzene is associated to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as well as Hodgkin's Lymphoma and acute leukemia as well as other blood cancers.
Creosote as well as diesel exhaust and other carcinogens are all common exposures for railway employees. While a majority of railway workers receive workers' compensation, these benefits could not cover all the expenses and losses incurred by a victim. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad can aid plaintiffs in recovering damages that aren't covered by workers compensation.
The wife of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a settlement involving benzene for wrongful deaths against his employer. Her husband was a maintenance of right employee of the Chicago and North Western Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 to 2008. He was continuously exposed to various solvents from petroleum, including benzene-laden creosote, naphtha, coal distillates carbolineum, as well as paint strippers. John was diagnosed with various cancers such as myelodysplasticleukemia throughout his career. He passed away in November 2009 from this condition. The jury awarded him $7 million as an award of settlement. The amount is a large portion of his medical costs including lost income, suffering and pain.
Creosote
There are a variety of chemicals found in creosote, including dioxin, pentachlorophenol, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure to long-term chemical vapors can cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a related illness called acute myeloid leukemia are also linked to long-term exposure to creosote.
Creosote is able to enter the body through the lungs, stomach and intestines when food items are consumed that contain toxins, drinking contaminated water or through contact with the skin. It is absorbed quickly through the skin. Exposure to this mixture can cause damage to the kidneys, liver and central nervous system. The toxic substance is in the eyes and may cause a variety of illnesses.
Rail workers are exposed of hazardous chemicals at their workplace. If these toxic chemicals cause harm to them they must be compensated from their employers. Contact our railroad injury lawyers today to discuss your case.
The small Florida town of Hull was once home to a railroad company that treated wood with coal-tar creosote in order to preserve, waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When CSX bought the company many years ago, the chemicals spread and contaminated the property around it. Residents are seeking to sue CSX for contaminating their homes and drinking water. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to learn more about the situation. Residents say that the contaminated drinking waters near the UPRR facility can cause leukemia in children as well as other health issues.
Asbestos
The use of asbestos to create railroad material was common throughout the years. Asbestos dust was a threat to railroad workers who worked around steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos dust was often carried home on the hair and clothing of the workers and exposed loved ones to the harmful substance.
Despite the dangers that come with asbestos exposure railroad companies have either refused to acknowledge or deny this fact for many years. class action lawsuit against railroads is why some railroad workers who had an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis later in life were not given adequate compensation from their employers.
Asbestos lawsuits are different from other workers' compensation claims due to their complexity. Railroad workers may be able to seek compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is an alternative to traditional workers compensation laws. FELA allows railroad employees with asbestos-related diseases to file claims if they can prove that their employer's negligence caused the cause of their injuries.
The plaintiffs in the case assert that the railroad had contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean the area. 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 because of the contamination.
Lead
Rail workers may be exposed to numerous carcinogenic chemicals, fumes and chemicals. These harmful chemicals are known to cause leukemia and other fatal illnesses among employees. These exposures are usually caused by railroad negligence.
Rail workers are exposed to different toxins including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and asbestos. These exposures can cause a myriad of long-term health problems including bladder cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer kidney cancer, and various forms of leukemia.
One of the main causes of leukemia and other blood and bone marrow conditions is exposure to benzene. Benzene is a colorless, fluid that is flammable, and it can evaporate into the air. It is used for many industrial processes and it can be found in small amounts in the surrounding environment. Benzene is also found in gasoline as well as other products. Exposure to benzene can have adverse effects on your body, particularly when it is inhaled or ingested.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your situation If you were employed on a railroad or train and were diagnosed with a serious disease such as leukemia, due to the negligence of your employer. We will help you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Our attorneys are skilled and dedicated to helping Texans who have been wronged or injured.