Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury has awarded $7.5m to a railway worker who developed leukemia after being exposed to toxic chemicals. He worked for two railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene which is carcinogen.
The plaintiff's work required him to handle creosote coated equipment and ties. He claimed that the chemical was covering him from head to toe.
Benzene
Benzene, among the many harmful chemicals that can cause cancer, is a carcinogen. It is a well-known carcinogen, which is present in diesel exhaust fumes which railroad workers are regularly exposed to. Exposure to benzene has been linked with myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute leukemia as well as other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are often exposed to a variety of carcinogens while working on the job, including creosote and diesel exhaust. Although many railway employees are eligible for workers' compensation, the benefits may not cover all of the costs and losses of a victim. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad could assist plaintiffs to recover damages that aren't covered by workers' compensation.
The wife of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a settlement for wrongful death involving benzene against his employer. Her husband was a maintenance employee who worked for the Chicago and North Western Railroad as well as the Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 until 2008. He was exposed to a variety of petroleum solvents, including creosote containing benzene distilates of coal tar naphtha, paint strippers and naphtha. In his professional life, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including a type of leukemia known as myelodysplastic syndrome. He passed away from this disease in November 2009. The jury awarded $7 million as an award of settlement. The amount is a large portion of his medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
class action lawsuit against railroads of chemicals are present in creosote. They include pentachlorophenol, phenols, dioxin and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure may cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure to creosote has been linked to skin cancer and an illness similar in its nature to acute myeloid lymphoma.
Creosote is able to enter the body via the lungs, the stomach and intestines after contaminated food is eaten or drinking contaminated water or when it comes into contact with the skin. It is absorbed rapidly through the skin. The exposure to this mixture could damage the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. The toxic mix can be absorbed through the eyes and can cause a variety of illnesses.
Railroad workers are exposed to many hazardous chemicals at their workplaces. When they are injured by these toxic substances, they are entitled to compensation from their employer. Contact our railroad injury lawyers today to discuss your case.
Hull is a small Florida town, was home to an old rail company that used coal-tar-based creosote on wood to seal and protect railroad tie made of wood. When the company was acquired by CSX in the past and the chemicals grew, they began to infect the property around it. Residents are suing CSX for the contamination of their drinking water as well as their homes. Regan, the EPA Administrator, visited the area in order to find out more. Residents say contaminated drinking water near the UPRR plant is causing childhood leukemia and other health problems.
Asbestos
In the past asbestos was used to create railroad materials. Asbestos dust was a threat to many railroad workers who worked near steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos particles were frequently taken home with the hair and clothing of workers and exposed their family members to the dangerous material.
Despite the risks of exposure to asbestos, a number of railroad companies were unaware or oblivious to its potential to harm workers' health for years. This is why some railroad workers who were given an asbestos cancer diagnosis later in life were not given the proper compensation from their employers.
Due to their complexity, asbestos lawsuits differ from other workers' comp claims. Railroad workers could claim compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a viable alternative to traditional workers' compensation laws. Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness can file a claim under FELA so long as they can prove that their employer's negligence caused their injury.
Plaintiffs in the case claim that the railroad had contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and did not clean the area. The residents of the community that lived in the area at the time of contamination suffered from lung and throat cancers, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. The contamination also caused a loss in property value.
Lead
Railroad workers are susceptible to exposure to numerous carcinogenic substances, chemicals and fumes. These toxic chemicals can cause many debilitating and fatal diseases for workers, such as leukemia. These exposures are usually due to railroad negligence.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, asbestos and silica among other toxins. The exposures can lead to various long-term health issues including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer kidney cancer and other forms of leukemia.
One of the major causes of leukemia and other bone marrow and blood disorders is benzene exposure. It is a colorless and fluid that is flammable, and it can evaporate into the air. It is utilized in a variety of industrial processes and is present in the environment in lower concentrations. Benzene is also found in gasoline and many other products. The exposure to benzene, particularly when inhaled or consumed, can have a number of health risks.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free assessment of your case If you were employed in a train or railway and then contracted a serious illness such as leukemia, due to the negligence of your employer. We will assist you in recovering compensation for medical expenses loss of income, and other damages. Our lawyers are knowledgeable and committed to helping Texans that have suffered injuries or were wronged.