Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury awarded $7.5m to a railway worker who developed leukemia after being exposed to toxic chemicals. He was employed by two railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene which is a known carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him to manage creosote-coated equipment and ties. He claimed that the chemical was often covering him from head to toe.
Benzene
Benzene, one of 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 frequently exposed to. Exposure to benzene can be linked to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as other blood cancers.
Creosote, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens are common exposures for railroad workers. Workers' compensation may pay for certain losses and expenses however, it does not cover all. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad can assist plaintiffs to recover damages that aren't covered by workers compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a benzene wrongful death settlement against his employer. Her husband was a maintenance of ways employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 between 1976 and 2008. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements was constantly exposed to various solvents of petroleum such as benzene-laden sulfosote, naphtha, coal distillates carbolineum, as well as paint strippers. During his career, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including a form of leukemia known as myelodysplastic syndrome. He died from this illness in November 2009. The jury awarded $7 million as a settlement. This sum covers a significant portion of his medical expenses including lost income, discomfort and pain.
Creosote
A variety of chemicals are present in creosote. These include dioxin, pentachlorophenol, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to the chemical vapors could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Creosote exposure for long periods of time has been linked to skin cancer and an illness that is similar to acute myeloid lymphoma.
Creosote is able to enter the body through the lungs, stomach and intestines after 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 to it can cause damage the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The toxic mixture may be absorbed by the eye and trigger a range of diseases.
Rail workers are exposed to a wide range of dangerous chemicals at their work. If they get injured by these harmful substances, they should be compensated from their employer. Contact our railroad injury lawyers today to discuss your case.
The tiny Florida town of Hull was once home to a railroad company that treated wood using coal-tar creosote in order to preserve, waterproof and insect-proof wooden railroad ties. When CSX bought the company years ago the chemicals spread and contaminated the surrounding property. Residents are now suing CSX over the contamination of their drinking water and homes. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to learn more about the situation. Residents say that the drinking water that is contaminated near the UPRR facility are causing leukemia in children and other health issues.
Asbestos
In the past, asbestos was used in the production of railroad materials. Many railroad workers were exposed to dangerous asbestos dust while working in and around steam trains or inside repair shops. The asbestos fibers are frequently carried home by workers on their clothes and hair. They expose their families to the dangerous substance.
Despite the dangers associated with asbestos exposure railroad companies have largely dismissed or denied the dangers for decades. As a result, many railroad workers who received an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis later in life were not awarded the proper compensation from their employers.
Asbestos claims differ from other workers' compensation claims because of their complexities. Railroad workers may be able to claim compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a substitute for traditional laws governing workers' compensation. Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease can file a claim under FELA in the event that they can prove that their employer's negligence was the cause of their injury.
The plaintiffs in this case claim that the railroad contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and did not remove the traces of the contamination. Those who were living in the neighborhood at the time of the contamination have suffered from a range of health issues including throat and lung cancer as well as asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The contamination also caused a decrease in property value.
Lead
Rail workers are exposed to a variety of carcinogenic chemicals, fumes and chemicals. These harmful chemicals are known to cause leukemia and other fatal illnesses in workers. A lot of these exposures are a result of negligence on the part of railroad workers.
Rail workers are exposed to various toxins, including diesel exhaust, welding fumes and asbestos. The exposures could lead to lung cancer bladder and esophageal carcinomas kidney cancer, as well as other types of leukemia.
One primary cause of leukemia as well as other blood and bone marrow diseases is exposure to benzene. Benzene is a colorless, fluid that is flammable, and it can evaporate into the air. It is utilized in a variety of industrial processes and is found in the environment in low concentrations. It is also found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene can have serious effects on the body, particularly if it is inhaled, or ingested.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free evaluation of your case If you were employed on a train or a railroad and were diagnosed with a serious disease like leukemia as a result of the negligence of your employer. We can assist you in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Our attorneys are experienced and committed to helping Texans who are injured or wronged.