Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A railroad worker who developed leukemia as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals was awarded $7.5 million in a verdict of a jury. He worked for two railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene, which is a carcinogen that has been identified.
The plaintiff's job required him to work with creosote-coated equipment and ties. He claimed that the chemical was covering his entire body from head to toe.
Benzene
Benzene, one of numerous harmful chemicals that could cause cancer is a carcinogen. It is a carcinogen, and is present in diesel exhaust, which railroad workers are exposed to regularly. Exposure to benzene has been linked to myelodysplastic disorder (MDS) as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are usually exposed to a range of carcinogens while working on the job, including creosote and diesel exhaust. Workers' compensation might pay for certain losses and expenses, but not all. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad may aid plaintiffs in recovering damages not covered by workers' compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a benzene wrongful death settlement against his employer. Her husband was an employee of maintenance of ways 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, coal tar distilates naphtha, paint strippers, and naphtha. John was diagnosed with various cancers, including myelodysplastic leukemia, during his career. He died in November 2009 from this type of cancer. The jury awarded him $7 million as an amount of compensation. The settlement covers a significant part of his medical expenses including lost income, pain and suffering.
Creosote
Creosote consists of a range of chemicals, such as dioxin, pentachlorophenol, and polycyclic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to the vapors of the chemicals can cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a leukemia-like illness called acute myeloid leukemia are also linked to long-term exposure to creosote.
Creosote can be absorbed through the lungs, stomach and intestines when contaminated food is eaten or drinking water that is contaminated or when it comes into contact with the skin. It is absorbed quickly through the skin. Exposure can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The toxins can be absorbed through the eyes and cause a variety of diseases.
railroad cancer lawsuit are exposed many dangerous chemicals in their work environments. If they get injured by these toxic substances, they are entitled to compensation from their employer. Contact our dedicated railroad accident lawyers to discuss your case.
Hull is a small Florida town, was home to an old railroad company which used coal-tar creosote wood to waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When the company was purchased by CSX in the past, the chemicals spread to contaminate the surrounding property. Residents are suing CSX for the contamination of their drinking water and homes. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to get more information about the situation. Residents say that the drinking water sources that are contaminated close to the UPRR facility are causing leukemia in children and other health issues.
Asbestos
In the past asbestos was used to make railroad materials. Asbestos dust was a threat to railroad workers who worked near steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos particles are usually taken home by employees on their hair and clothing. Their families are exposed to the deadly material.
Despite the dangers of asbestos exposure, railroad companies have refused to acknowledge or deny this fact for many years. Some railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer later in life were not given the proper compensation from their employers.
Due to their complexity, asbestos lawsuits are different from other workers' compensation claims. Railroad workers may be able 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 injuries.
The plaintiffs in this case claim that the railroad contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean the area. People who lived in the community at the time of the contamination suffered from a variety health issues that include throat and lung cancer asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. The contamination also led to a loss in property value.
Lead
Rail workers are exposed diverse carcinogenic substances, fumes, and chemicals. These harmful chemicals can trigger numerous debilitating, fatal ailments for workers, including leukemia. These exposures are often caused by railroad negligence.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to welding fumes, diesel exhaust asbestos, silica, and asbestos among other toxic substances. These exposures can lead to many long-term health issues, including bladder cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, and various forms of leukemia.
The most common cause of leukemia as well as other bone marrow and blood conditions is exposure to benzene. It is a colorless, liquid that is flammable and can evaporate into the air. It is used for various industrial processes and is present in low concentrations in the natural environment. The chemical is also present in gasoline as well as other products. Exposure to benzene may have adverse effects on your body, particularly if it is inhaled or ingested.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your situation in the event that you worked on a train or railroad and developed a serious illness such as leukemia because of the negligence of your employer. We can assist you in obtaining compensation for medical expenses or lost income, as well as other damages. Our attorneys are skilled and dedicated to helping Texans that have suffered injuries or were wronged.