Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury has awarded $7.5m to a railway worker who developed leukemia after being exposed toxic chemicals. He worked for two railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene which is carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him handle creosote-coated ties and equipment. He claimed that the chemical was covering his entire body from head to toe.
Benzene
Benzene, among the many harmful chemicals that can cause cancer, is a carcinogen. It is a recognized carcinogen, which is present in diesel exhaust fumes, which railroad workers are regularly exposed to. Exposure to benzene has been linked to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to a range of carcinogens while working on the job, such as creosote and diesel exhaust. Workers' compensation could be able to cover certain expenses and losses however, it does not cover all. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad may aid plaintiffs in recovering damages not covered by workers compensation.
The wife of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a settlement for wrongful death involving benzene against his employer. Thompson was a maintenance of right employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 to 2008. He was exposed to a range of petroleum solvents like creosote that contained benzene, coal tar distilates, naphtha and paint strippers. John suffered from various cancers including myelodysplastic Leukemia during his career. He passed away from this disease in November 2009. The settlement awarded by the jury was $7 million. The settlement covers a substantial portion of his medical bills including lost income, discomfort and pain.
Creosote
Creosote contains a number of chemicals, including dioxin, pentachlorophenol and polycyclic hydrocarbons. Exposure to the chemical vapors could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure to creosote has been linked with skin cancer and an illness that is similar in nature to acute myeloid lymphoma.
Creosote can be absorbed through the lungs, stomach and intestines when food items are consumed that contain toxins, contaminated water is drunk or by contact with the skin. It is absorbed quickly through the skin. Exposure to this mix can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. The toxic mixture can also be absorption through the eyes and may cause a variety of ailments.
Railroad workers are exposed to numerous hazardous chemicals in their work environments. When they are injured by these harmful substances, they are entitled to compensation from their employer. 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 using coal-tar creosote in order to preserve, waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When the company was purchased by CSX several years ago and the chemicals grew, they began to contaminate the property. Residents are suing CSX for contaminating their homes and drinking water. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to learn more about the situation. Residents claim that drinking water that is contaminated close to the UPRR plant can cause childhood leukemia as well as other health problems.
Asbestos
Through the years, asbestos was used to make railroad materials. Many railroad employees were exposed to dangerous asbestos dust while working in and around steam trains or in repair shops. These asbestos fibers are often brought home by workers who wear their clothing and hair. This exposes their families to the dangerous substance.
Despite the risks associated with asbestos exposure railroad companies have largely refused to acknowledge or deny this fact for many years. Some railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos cancer later in life didn't receive adequate compensation from their employers.
Asbestos lawsuits differ from other claims for workers' compensation due to their complexity. Railroad workers might be able to claim compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a different way to traditional workers' compensation laws. FELA allows railroad employees with asbestos-related diseases to file claims in the event that they can prove their employer's negligence caused the cause of their injury.
The plaintiffs in this case claim that the railroad had contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean the area. Those who were living in the neighborhood at the time of the contamination been affected by a variety of health issues that include throat and lung cancer as well as asthma and other respiratory diseases. The contamination also led to an increase in the value of property.
Lead
Workers on railroads can be exposed to many carcinogenic substances, chemicals and fumes. These harmful chemicals are known to cause leukemia and other fatal illnesses among workers. Many of these exposures are a result of negligence by railroads.
Railroad workers are often exposed to diesel exhaust, welding fumes asbestos, silica and asbestos among other toxins. These exposures could cause lung cancer bladder and esophageal tumors, kidney cancer, and other forms of leukemia.
The exposure to benzene is a primary cause of leukemia as well as other blood and bone-marrow diseases. Benzene, a colorless liquid that is flammable, and which can evaporate into air, is one of the substances that can cause leukemia. It is utilized in various industrial processes and it is found in low amounts in the surrounding environment. Benzene can also be found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene in particular, when inhaled or consumed, can have serious health effects.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your situation when you worked on a train or a railroad and then contracted a serious illness 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. cancer lawsuit are knowledgeable and passionate about helping Texans that are injured or wronged.