Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A railroad worker who contracted leukemia after exposure to toxic chemicals has been awarded $7.5 million in a verdict of a jury. He worked for two railroads and was exposed to Benzene, known as a carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him to handle creosote-coated ties as well as equipment. He claimed that he was often completely covered in the chemical.
Benzene
Benzene is one of many dangerous chemicals that have been proven to cause cancer. 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 to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as other blood cancers.
Creosote and diesel exhaust as well as other carcinogens are a common exposure for railroad employees. While many railway workers are covered by workers' compensation, the benefits could not cover all 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 widow of railroad worker John Thompson won a benzene settlement against his employer. John Thompson was a maintenance of ways employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 to 2008. He endured chronic exposures to various solvents from petroleum that included benzene-laden creosote coal tar distillates, naphtha, carbolineum, and paint strippers. John was diagnosed with cancers of different types such as myelodysplasticleukemia during his career. He passed away in November 2009 from this disease. The settlement awarded by the jury was $7 million. This amount covers a significant portion of his medical bills as well as lost income, pain and discomfort.
Creosote
A variety of chemicals are present in creosote. These include pentachlorophenol, phenols, dioxin and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure for long periods can cause irritation of the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a similar illness called acute myeloid leukemia have also been associated with long-term creosote exposure.
Creosote enters the body through the lungs as air pollution, through the stomach and intestines, either by eating or drinking water that is contaminated or by contact with the skin. It is absorbed rapidly through the skin. Exposure to this mix can harm the kidneys, liver and the central nervous system. The toxic mix is taken up through the eyes and may cause a variety of diseases.
Railroad workers are exposed many dangerous chemicals in their work environments. When toxic substances cause harm to workers, they should receive compensation from their employers. Contact our dedicated railroad accident lawyers to discuss your case.
Hull A small Florida town, was the home of an old rail company that used coal-tar-based creosote on wood to protect against insects and waterproof railroad ties made of wood. When the company was purchased by CSX years ago the chemicals grew and contaminated the surrounding property. Residents are now suing CSX over the contamination of their drinking water as well as their homes. Regan the EPA Administrator, toured the area to learn more. Residents say contaminated drinking water near the UPRR plant causes childhood leukemia and other health issues.
Asbestos
The use of asbestos in the production of railroad materials was commonplace over the decades. Many railroad workers were exposed to hazardous asbestos dust while working in steam trains and around them, or in repair shops. These asbestos fibers are typically taken home by employees on their clothes and hair. This exposes their families to the deadly substance.
Despite the dangers of asbestos exposure, railroad companies have been ignoring or denying this for many years. Railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos cancer later in life did not receive adequate compensation from their employer.
Asbestos lawsuits are distinct from other claims for workers' compensation because of their complexities. Railroad workers might be able to seek compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a different way to traditional laws governing workers' compensation. railroad lawsuit allows railroad employees with asbestos-related ailments to file a claim in the event that they can prove their employer's negligence is the cause of their illness.
The plaintiffs in this instance claim that the railroad had contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean up the aftermath. 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 diseases. The contamination also caused an increase in the value of property.
Lead
Railroad workers can be exposed to numerous carcinogenic chemicals, substances and fumes. These toxic chemicals are known to cause leukemia and other fatal diseases in workers. A lot of these exposures are the result of negligence by railroads.
Rail workers are exposed a variety of toxins, including diesel exhaust, welding fumes and asbestos. These exposures can result in many long-term health problems, including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer kidney cancer and other forms of leukemia.
One primary cause of leukemia, as well as other bone marrow and blood conditions is exposure to benzene. Benzene, a colorless liquid that is flammable, and which can evaporate into air, is a chemical that can cause leukemia. It is used in a variety of industrial processes and is found in the environment at lower concentrations. Benzene can also be found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene in particular, when consumed or inhaled, can have a number of health risks.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your situation when you worked on a railroad or train and were diagnosed with a serious disease such as leukemia because of the negligence of your employer. We can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for medical treatment loss of income, and other damages. Our attorneys are skilled and committed to helping Texans who are injured or wronged.