Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A railroad worker who was diagnosed with leukemia after exposure to toxic chemicals has been awarded $7.5 million in a jury verdict. He was employed by two different railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene which is a carcinogen.
mesothelioma lawsuit required him to deal with creosote coated ties and other equipment. He claimed that the chemical was often covering his entire body from head to toe.
Benzene
Benzene is among the dangerous chemicals that have been proven to cause cancer. It is a carcinogen, and is found in diesel fumes/exhaust, which railroad workers are exposed to regularly. Exposure to benzene is associated to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma along with other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are often exposed to a range of carcinogens when on the job, such as creosote and diesel exhaust. While a majority of railway workers receive workers' compensation, these benefits may not cover all of a victim's expenses and losses. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad may help plaintiffs recover damages not covered by workers compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a settlement in wrongful death with benzene from his employer. Thompson was a maintenance of ways employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 between 1976 and 2008. He was exposed to a range of petroleum solvents like creosote which contained benzene distilates of coal, naphtha and paint strippers. In his professional life, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including a type of leukemia referred to as myelodysplastic. He passed away from this disease in November 2009. The settlement he was awarded by the jury was $7 million. The settlement covers a substantial portion of his medical bills, lost income and pain and discomfort.
Creosote
A variety of chemicals are present in creosote, including dioxin, pentachlorophenol, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure for long periods can cause irritation of the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure to creosote has also been linked to skin cancer and an illness that is similar to acute myeloid lymphoma.
Creosote can be absorbed via the lungs, the stomach and intestines, when food items are consumed that contain toxins, contaminated water is drunk or through contact with the skin. It is quickly absorbed by the skin. The exposure can cause damage to the liver, kidneys as well as the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The toxic mixture is also in the eyes and can cause a variety of illnesses.
Railroad workers are exposed numerous hazardous chemicals in their workplaces. When toxic substances cause harm to them, they should receive compensation from their employers. Contact our dedicated railroad injury lawyers to discuss your case.
Hull is a small Florida town, was once the home of an old railroad company that used coal-tar creosote wood to seal and protect railroad tie made of wood. When CSX bought the company years ago the chemicals spread and contaminated the property around it. Residents are suing CSX for the contaminating their homes and drinking water. Regan the EPA Administrator, visited the area to know more. Residents claim that contaminated drinking waters near the UPRR facility cause leukemia in children as well as other health issues.
Asbestos
Throughout the years, asbestos was utilized to make railroad materials. Many railroad workers were exposed to dangerous asbestos dust while working in steam trains and around or inside repair shops. The asbestos particles were frequently taken home with the hair and clothing of the employees which exposed their loved ones to the harmful substance.
Despite the risks of asbestos exposure, a lot of railroad companies did not recognize or even deny the possibility of harm to workers' health for years. Some railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer later in life didn't receive the proper compensation from their employers.
Asbestos lawsuits are distinct from other workers' compensation claims because of their complexities. Railroad workers might be able to obtain compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is an alternative to traditional laws governing workers' compensation. Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease can file a claim for compensation under FELA provided that they can prove their employer's negligence led to their injury.
Plaintiffs in the case claim that the railroad contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean it up. 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 led to an increase in the value of property.
Lead
Those who work on railroads can be exposed to many carcinogenic substances, chemicals, and fumes. These harmful chemicals can cause numerous debilitating, fatal illnesses for workers, including leukemia. These exposures are usually due to railroad negligence.
Rail workers are exposed various toxins, including diesel exhaust, welding fumes and asbestos. The exposures could lead to lung cancer bladder and esophageal cancers, kidney cancer, and other forms of leukemia.
Exposure to benzene may be the most common cause of leukemia, and other bone-marrow and blood diseases. Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid that can evaporate into the air. It is used in various industrial processes and is present in the environment in lower concentrations. It is also found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene could have adverse effects on your body, especially when it is inhaled or consumed.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your case if you worked in a train or railway and contracted a serious illness such as leukemia because of the negligence of your employer. We can help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Our attorneys are passionate about helping Texans who have been injured.