Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A railroad worker who developed leukemia as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals has been awarded $7.5 million in a verdict of a jury. He was employed by two different railroad companies, and was exposed to Benzene which is a carcinogen.
The plaintiff's work required him to deal with creosote coated ties and other equipment. He claimed that he was covered from head to toe in the chemical.
Benzene
The chemical Benzene is among many dangerous chemicals that have been proven to cause cancer. It is a recognized carcinogen found in diesel exhaust fumes, which railroad workers are frequently exposed to. Exposure to benzene has been linked to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and Hodgkin lymphoma, among other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are often exposed to a variety of carcinogens on the job, including creosote and diesel exhaust. While a majority of railway workers receive workers' compensation, the benefits may not cover all of 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 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 variety of petroleum solvents such as creosote which contained benzene distilates of coal tar naphtha, naphtha and paint strippers. John was diagnosed with various cancers, including myelodysplastic leukemia, during his career. John passed away from this condition in November 2009. The settlement awarded by jury was $7 million. The settlement covers a substantial portion of his medical bills including lost income, pain and discomfort.
Creosote
Several chemicals are found in creosote, including pentachlorophenol, phenols, dioxin and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to vapors of the chemicals can cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Creosote exposure for long periods of time has also been linked to skin cancer and an illness that is similar in nature to acute myeloid lymphoma.
Creosote may enter the body via the lungs, the stomach and intestines when the food is contaminated or drinking contaminated water or in contact with the skin. It is quickly absorbed by the skin. Exposure to this mixture can harm the kidneys, liver and central nervous system. The toxic mixture can also be taken up through the eyes and can cause a variety of ailments.
Rail workers are exposed to a range of harmful chemicals at their workplace. When these toxic substances cause harm to them the workers should be compensated from their employers. Contact our dedicated railroad accident lawyers to discuss your case.
The small Florida town of Hull was once home to a railroad company that treated wood with coal-tar creosote to protect, waterproof and insect-proof wooden railroad ties. When CSX purchased the company a few years ago the chemicals spread and polluted the surrounding land. Residents are suing CSX for contamination of their homes and drinking water. Regan, the EPA Administrator, toured the area in order to know more. Residents claim that drinking water that is contaminated close to the UPRR plant is causing childhood leukemia and other health problems.
Asbestos
The use of asbestos for railroad materials was common throughout the years. Many railroad employees were exposed to dangerous asbestos dust as they worked in steam trains and around or inside repair shops. These asbestos fibers were often taken home with the hair and clothing of workers and exposed loved ones to the deadly substance.
Despite the dangers of asbestos exposure, a lot of railroad companies resisted or ignored the possibility of harm to workers' health for years. Railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer later in life were not given sufficient compensation from their employers.
Asbestos lawsuits differ from other workers' compensation claims due to their complexity. Railroad workers could be able to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a different way to traditional workers' compensation laws. Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness can file a claim for compensation under FELA so long as they can prove that their employer's negligence led to their injury.
The plaintiffs in this case claim that the railroad contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and did not clean up the mess. The residents of the community that lived in the area during the time of the contamination suffered from lung and throat cancers, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The contamination also caused a decrease in property value.
Lead
People who work on railroads can be exposed to numerous carcinogenic substances, chemicals and fumes. These toxic chemicals are known to cause leukemia and other fatal illnesses in workers. A lot of these exposures are the result of railroad negligence.
Rail workers are exposed various toxins, including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and asbestos. These exposures may lead to lung cancer bladder and esophageal tumors, kidney cancer, and other types of leukemia.
Exposure to benzene may be the main cause of leukemia as well as other bone-marrow and blood disorders. The colorless, flammable liquid that has the ability to evaporate into the air. It is used in a variety of industrial processes and can be found in the air at low levels. Benzene is also present in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene can have adverse effects on your body, particularly when it is inhaled or ingested.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your case If you were employed on a train or railroad and were diagnosed with a serious disease such as leukemia because of the negligence of your employer. We will help you recover compensation for medical treatment as well as lost income and other damages. railroad lawsuits are dedicated to helping Texans who have suffered injuries.