Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury awarded $7.5m to the railroad worker who developed leukemia after exposure to toxic chemicals. He was employed by two railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene known carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him to deal with creosote coated ties and other equipment. He claimed that he was often 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 carcinogen found in diesel exhaust fumes, which railroad workers are frequently exposed to. Benzene exposure has been associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Hodgkin lymphoma among other blood cancers.
Creosote, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens are all common exposures for railroad employees. While many railway employees receive workers' compensation, these benefits could not cover all the cost and expenses of a victim. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad could help plaintiffs recover damages not covered by workers compensation.
The wife of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a benzene wrongful death settlement against his employer. Thompson was a maintenance of way employee of the Chicago and North Western Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 until 2008. He was constantly exposed to various petroleum solvents which included benzene-laden Creosote naphtha distillates of coal carbolineum, paint strippers. Throughout his career, John suffered from multiple types of cancer, including one type of leukemia known as myelodysplastic. John passed away in November 2009 from this illness. The jury awarded $7 million as settlement. The settlement covers a significant portion of his medical expenses as well as the loss of income and suffering and pain.
Creosote
Several chemicals are found in creosote. They include dioxin, phenols, pentachlorophenol and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to the chemical vapors could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure to creosote has also been linked to skin cancer and an illness that is similar in its nature to acute myeloid leukemia.
Creosote can be absorbed through the lungs, stomach and intestines if food that is contaminated is consumed, contaminated water is drunk or in contact with the skin. It is absorbed quickly through the skin. The exposure can cause damage to the liver, kidneys the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system. The toxic mixture may be absorbed through the eye and cause a range of ailments.
Railroad workers are exposed numerous hazardous chemicals in their work environments. If they are injured by these toxic chemicals, they deserve 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 to protect, waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When CSX purchased the company several years ago the chemicals spread and polluted the surrounding land. Residents are suing CSX for contamination of their homes and drinking water. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to get more information 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 issues.
Asbestos
In the past, asbestos was utilized to make railroad materials. Many railroad employees were exposed to dangerous asbestos dust as they worked in and around steam trains or inside repair shops. The asbestos fibers are frequently carried home by workers on their clothes and hair. Their families are exposed to the deadly substance.
Despite the risks of exposure to asbestos, a number of railroad companies were unaware or oblivious to the possibility of harm to workers' health for years. This is why some railroad workers who received an asbestos cancer diagnosis later in life were not awarded adequate compensation from their employers.
Asbestos lawsuits are distinct from other claims for workers' compensation due to their complexity. Railroad workers could be able to seek compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a viable alternative to traditional workers' compensation laws. FELA allows railroad employees with asbestos-related ailments to file a claim if they can prove their employer's negligence caused the cause of their injury.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that the railroad contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and did not do anything to clean the area. People who lived in the community at the time of the contamination suffered from a range of health issues including throat and lung cancer asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. The contamination also led to an increase in the value of property.
Lead
Rail workers may be exposed to various carcinogenic substances, fumes, and chemicals. These toxic chemicals are known to cause leukemia and other fatal diseases in workers. Many of these incidents are the result of negligence in railroads.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to welding fumes, diesel exhaust, asbestos and silica among other toxins. These exposures can result in various long-term health problems including bladder cancer, lung cancer, esophageal carcinoma, kidney cancer, and other forms of leukemia.
One of the major causes of leukemia as well as other blood and bone marrow disorders is benzene exposure. railroad workers cancer lawsuit is a colorless, liquid that is flammable and can evaporate into the air. It is utilized in various industrial processes, and it is present in low amounts in the surrounding environment. Benzene is also present in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene in particular, when inhaled or consumed, could have serious health consequences.
If you've been on a train or in the railroad industry and have been diagnosed with a fatal disease like leukemia as a result of employer negligence and/or negligence, you should contact Napoli Shkolnik for a free case review. We will help you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Our attorneys are experienced and devoted to helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.