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 was employed by two railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene, known carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him to work with creosote-coated ties and equipment. He claimed that he was frequently completely covered in the chemical.
Benzene
Benzene is among the hazardous chemicals that have been proven to cause cancer. BNSF Railway lawsuit is a recognized carcinogen, which is present in diesel exhaust fumes, which railroad workers are frequently exposed to. Exposure to benzene can be linked with myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Hodgkin's Lymphoma and acute leukemia among other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are typically exposed to a range of carcinogens during their time on the job, including creosote and diesel exhaust. While a majority of railway workers receive workers' compensation, the benefits might not cover all of the costs and losses of a victim. A benzene suit against a railroad can help plaintiffs recover damages that are not covered by workers compensation.
The wife of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a settlement involving benzene for wrongful deaths against his employer. Thompson was a maintenance of ways employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 to 2008. He was exposed to a variety of petroleum solvents, including creosote with benzene in it distilates of coal tar naphtha, paint strippers, and naphtha. John suffered from cancers of different types including myelodysplastic Leukemia throughout his career. He died in November 2009 of this type of cancer. The settlement he was awarded by the jury was $7 million. This sum covers a large portion of his medical bills loss of income, pain and discomfort.
Creosote
Many chemicals are present in creosote, such as dioxin, pentachlorophenol and phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure to long-term chemical vapors could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure to creosote has been linked with skin cancer and an illness similar to acute myeloid lymphoma.
Creosote can enter the body via the lungs, the stomach and intestines after food that is contaminated is consumed, drinking water that is contaminated or in contact with the skin. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin. It can cause damage to the kidneys, liver stomach, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. The toxic mixture can also be taken up through the eyes and can cause a variety of illnesses.
Rail workers are exposed to a variety of hazardous chemicals at their workplace. 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.
Hull is a small Florida town, was once the home of an old rail company that used coal-tar creosote wood to waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad tie. When the company was bought by CSX in the past the chemicals grew and contaminated the surrounding property. Residents are suing CSX for contamination of 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 near the UPRR facility can cause leukemia in children and other health issues.
Asbestos
The use of asbestos for railroad materials was commonplace over the years. Many railroad workers were exposed to hazardous asbestos dust as they worked in and around steam trains or in repair shops. These asbestos fibers are typically taken home by employees on their hair and clothing. They expose their families to the dangerous substance.
Despite the dangers that come 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-related cancer later in life didn't receive the proper compensation from their employers.
Due to their complexity asbestos lawsuits are different from other workers' comp claims. Railroad workers may be eligible to claim compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a different way to traditional laws governing workers' compensation. 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 this case claim that the railroad had contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and did not clean up its aftermath. Residents of the community who resided in the area during the time of the contamination suffered from throat and lung cancers, asthma and other respiratory diseases. The contamination also led to a decrease in property value.
Lead
People who work on railroads are exposed to a variety of carcinogenic chemicals, chemicals and fumes. These toxic chemicals are believed to cause leukemia and other fatal illnesses among workers. These exposures are usually caused by railroad negligence.
Rail workers are exposed different toxins including diesel exhaust, welding fumes and asbestos. The exposures could lead to lung cancer bladder and esophageal tumors kidney cancer, as well as other types of leukemia.
The most common cause of leukemia, as well as other blood and bone marrow disorders is benzene exposure. Benzene, a colorless liquid that is flammable and able to evaporate into air, is one of the substances that can cause leukemia. It is utilized in various industrial processes and is present in the natural environment at lower concentrations. Benzene is also found in gasoline as well as other products. Exposure to benzene, especially when inhaled or consumed can cause serious health problems.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free assessment of your case If you were employed in a train or railway and developed a serious illness 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 knowledgeable and committed to helping Texans that have suffered injuries or were wronged.