Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury has awarded $7.5m to a railway worker who developed leukemia after being exposed to toxic chemicals. He was employed by two different railroad companies, and was exposed to Benzene which is a 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 with the chemical.
Benzene
Benzene, one of many harmful chemicals that can cause cancer is a carcinogen. It is a carcinogen that is present in diesel exhaust fumes which railroad workers are frequently exposed to. The exposure to benzene has been linked to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Hodgkin lymphoma, in addition to other blood cancers.
Creosote, diesel exhaust and other carcinogens are a common exposure for railroad workers. Although many railway employees are eligible for workers' compensation, the benefits may not cover all the cost and expenses of a victim. A benzene suit against a railroad could help plaintiffs recover the costs that are not covered by workers compensation.
The widow 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 range of petroleum solvents including creosote containing benzene distilates of coal naphtha, paint strippers, and naphtha. John was diagnosed with cancers of all kinds including myelodysplastic lukemia throughout his career. He passed away from this disease in November 2009. The settlement he was awarded by the jury was $7 million. This sum covers a significant portion of his medical bills as well as lost income, pain and discomfort.
Creosote
Several chemicals are found in creosote, such as dioxin, pentachlorophenol, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to chemical vapors could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Long-term exposure to creosote has been linked with skin cancer and an illness that is similar in nature to acute myeloid lymphoma.
Creosote is able to enter the body through the lungs, stomach and intestines after contaminated food is eaten or drinking contaminated water, or when it comes into contact with the skin. union pacific railroad lawsuit is quickly absorbed by the skin. The exposure to this mixture could cause damage to the kidneys, liver and the central nervous system. The toxic mixture is also taken up through the eyes and may lead to a range of diseases.
Rail workers are exposed to a range of dangerous chemicals at their work. If they suffer injuries from these toxic chemicals, they deserve compensation from their employer. Contact our dedicated railroad accident lawyers to discuss your case.
Hull, a small Florida town, was home to an old railroad company that used coal-tar-based creosote on wood to make it waterproof and insectproof railroad tie made of wood. When the company was purchased by CSX years ago and the chemicals grew, they began and contaminated the surrounding property. Residents are suing CSX for contamination of their homes and drinking water. Regan, the EPA Administrator, visited the area to find out more. Residents claim that drinking water sources that are contaminated close to the UPRR facility cause leukemia in children and other health issues.
Asbestos
The use of asbestos in the production of railroad materials was commonplace over the years. Asbestos dust could pose a threat for railroad workers who worked around steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos fibers are frequently brought home by workers who wear their hair and clothing. Their families are exposed to the dangerous substance.
Despite the risks of exposure to asbestos, a number of railroad companies resisted or ignored the possibility of harm to workers' health for years. This is why some railroad workers who had an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis later in life did not receive the proper compensation from their employers.
Asbestos claims 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 viable alternative to traditional workers compensation laws. FELA allows railroad workers suffering from asbestos-related ailments to file a claim if they can prove that their employer's negligence was the cause of their illness.
The plaintiffs in this lawsuit claim that the railroad had contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean up its aftermath. Residents of the community who lived in the area during the time of the contamination suffered from throat and lung cancers, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. The contamination also caused a decrease in property value.
Lead
Rail workers can be exposed numerous carcinogenic fumes, substances, and chemicals. These harmful chemicals are known to cause leukemia as well as other fatal diseases in workers. A lot of these incidents are the result of negligence in railroads.
Rail workers are exposed to a variety of toxins, including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and asbestos. These exposures can cause lung cancer, bladder and esophageal carcinomas kidney cancer, as well as other types of leukemia.
The exposure to benzene is the primary cause of leukemia and other blood and bone-marrow diseases. Benzene, a colorless fluid that is flammable and may evaporate into air, is a compound that can cause leukemia. It is used in various industrial processes, and is also found in the environment at low concentrations. Benzene is also present in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene in particular, when inhaled or consumed, can have a number of health risks.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free assessment of your case If you were employed in a train or railway 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 or lost income, as well as other damages. Our attorneys are skilled and passionate about helping Texans that have suffered injuries or were wronged.