Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury awarded $7.5m to a railroad worker who developed leukemia after being exposed to toxic chemicals. He worked for two railroad companies, and was exposed to Benzene which is a carcinogen.
The plaintiff's work required him to handle creosote-coated ties as well as equipment. He claimed that he was completely covered from head to foot by the chemical.
Benzene
Benzene, among the many harmful chemicals that can cause cancer is a carcinogen. It is a known carcinogen that is found in diesel exhaust fumes which railroad workers are regularly exposed to. Exposure to benzene can be linked to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma in addition to other blood cancers.
Creosote, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens are common exposures for railroad workers. Workers' compensation may pay for certain losses and expenses but not all. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad may aid plaintiffs in recovering damages not covered by workers' compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson won a benzene 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 until 2008. He was exposed to a range of petroleum solvents, including creosote containing benzene, coal tar distilates naphtha, paint strippers, and naphtha. Throughout his career, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including a particular type of leukemia known as myelodysplastic. John passed away in November 2009 from this type of cancer. The settlement that was awarded by the jury was $7 million. This sum covers a large portion of his medical bills as well as lost income, discomfort and pain.
Creosote
A variety of chemicals are present in creosote. They include dioxin, phenols, pentachlorophenol and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure may cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Creosote exposure for long periods of time has also been linked to skin cancer and an illness that is similar in nature to acute myeloid leukemia.
Creosote is absorbed into the body via the lungs as air pollution, through the stomach and intestines after eating or drinking unclean water or coming into contact with the skin. It is absorbed quickly through the skin. The exposure to this mixture could cause damage to kidneys, the liver and the central nervous system. The toxins can be absorbed by the eye and trigger a range of illnesses.
Railroad workers are exposed to numerous hazardous chemicals in their work environments. If these harmful substances cause harm to them the workers should be compensated from their employers. Contact our railroad injury lawyers today to discuss your case.
Hull, a small Florida town, was once the home of an old railroad company that used coal-tar creosote on wood to waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When the company was purchased by CSX years ago, the chemicals spread to contaminate the property. Residents are seeking to sue CSX for contamination of their homes and drinking water. Regan the EPA Administrator, was in the area to learn more. Residents claim that drinking water that is contaminated near the UPRR plant can cause childhood leukemia as well as other health issues.
Asbestos
In the past, asbestos was used in the production of railroad materials. Many railroad workers were exposed to hazardous asbestos dust as they worked in steam trains, around them or inside repair shops. These asbestos fibers are typically transported home by workers wearing their clothing and hair. Their families are exposed to the deadly substance.
Despite the dangers that come with asbestos exposure, railroad companies have been ignoring or denying this for decades. Some railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer later in life didn't receive adequate compensation from their employers.
Asbestos claims differ from other claims for workers' compensation due to their complexity. Railroad workers could claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a substitute for traditional laws governing workers' compensation. FELA allows railroad employees with asbestos-related ailments to file a claim if they can prove that their employer's negligence caused 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 clean up the aftermath. The residents of the neighborhood at the time of the contamination have suffered from a variety of health issues such as throat and lung cancer as well as asthma and other respiratory ailments. The contamination also caused a loss in property value.
Lead
Rail workers are exposed a variety of carcinogenic substances, fumes and chemicals. blacklands railroad lawsuit are known to cause leukemia and other fatal illnesses among employees. These exposures are often caused by railroad negligence.
Rail workers are exposed different toxins including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and asbestos. These exposures can cause a variety of long term health problems including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, and various forms of leukemia.
Exposure to benzene can be the primary cause of leukemia and other bone-marrow diseases and blood disorders. The colorless liquid Benzene that is flammable and may evaporate into air, is one of the substances that can cause leukemia. It is used in various industrial processes, and is also found in the natural environment at lower concentrations. Benzene is also found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene, especially when consumed or inhaled, could have serious health consequences.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your situation If you were employed on a train or railroad and were diagnosed with a serious disease like leukemia as a result of the negligence of your employer. We can help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping Texans who have suffered injuries.