Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A railroad worker who contracted leukemia from exposure to toxic chemicals has been awarded $7.5 million in a verdict of a jury. He was employed by two railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene, which is a known carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him to manage creosote-coated equipment and ties. He claimed that the chemical was covering his entire body from head to toe.
Benzene
Benzene is among the dangerous chemicals that have been found to cause cancer. It is a recognized carcinogen, which is present in diesel exhaust fumes, which railroad workers are frequently exposed to. The exposure to benzene is linked to myelodysplastic disorder (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and Hodgkin lymphoma among other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are typically exposed to a variety of carcinogens on the job, including creosote and diesel exhaust. While many railway workers are covered by workers' compensation, the benefits may not cover all the cost and expenses of a victim. A benzene suit against a railroad may help plaintiffs recover damages that aren't covered by workers compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a settlement in wrongful death with benzene from his employer. Her husband was a maintenance of ways employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 until 2008. He was continuously exposed to various solvents of petroleum that included benzene-laden creosote naphtha, coal distillates carbolineum, paint strippers. John was diagnosed with cancers of various types including myelodysplastic lukemia during his career. He passed away from this disease in November 2009. The settlement that was awarded by the jury was $7 million. The settlement covers a significant portion of his medical expenses as well as lost income and suffering and pain.
Creosote
Creosote is a mixture of chemicals, including dioxin pentachlorophenol and polycyclic halocarbons. Exposure to long-term gaseous components of the chemicals could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a similar illness called acute myeloid leukemia have also been linked to long-term creosote exposure.
Creosote enters your body through the lungs, as air pollution, through the stomach and intestines through eating or drinking polluted water or in contact with the skin. It is absorbed quickly through the skin. Exposure to it can cause damage the kidneys, liver the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system. The toxic mixture can also be absorbed through the eyes and may lead to a range of diseases.
Rail workers are exposed to a wide range of dangerous chemicals at their work. If these harmful substances cause harm to them the workers should be compensated from their employers. Contact our dedicated railroad accident lawyers to discuss your case.
The tiny Florida town of Hull was once home to a rail company that treated wood using coal-tar creosote, which was used to preserve waterproof and insect-proof wooden railroad ties. When CSX bought the company years ago, the chemicals spread and contaminated the property around it. Residents are suing CSX over the contamination of their drinking water as well as their homes. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to find out more about the situation. Residents say that the drinking water sources that are contaminated near the UPRR facility have been linked to the development of leukemia among children and other health issues.
Asbestos
Over the years, asbestos was utilized to make railroad materials. Asbestos dust could pose a threat for railroad workers who worked near steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos particles were frequently brought home on hair and clothing of the workers, exposing their loved ones to the dangerous material.
Despite the dangers that come with asbestos exposure railroad companies have largely refused to acknowledge or deny this fact for many years. As a result, many railroad workers who were given an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis later in life weren't given adequate compensation from their employers.
Due to their complexity asbestos lawsuits differ from other workers' compensation claims. Railroad workers may be able to obtain compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is an alternative to traditional laws governing workers' compensation. Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness may file a claim under FELA, as long as they can prove their employer's negligence led to their injury.
The plaintiffs in the case assert that the railroad contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean it up. Those who were living in the community at the time of the contamination have suffered from a variety health issues such as throat and lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. They also suffered the loss of property value due to the contamination.
Lead
Rail workers are exposed a variety of carcinogenic substances, fumes and chemicals. These harmful chemicals are known to cause leukemia as well as other fatal illnesses in workers. A lot of these exposures result of negligence on the part of railroad workers.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, welding fumes asbestos and silica as well as other toxins. union pacific railroad lawsuits can lead to a myriad of long-term health issues including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer and other forms of leukemia.
Exposure to benzene is a primary cause of leukemia, and other blood and bone-marrow disorders. Benzene, a colorless liquid that is flammable, and which can evaporate into air, is a compound that can cause leukemia. It is utilized in various industrial processes, and it can be found in small amounts in the environment. Benzene is also found in gasoline and many other products. The exposure to benzene, particularly when inhaled or consumed, can cause serious health problems.
If you've been on trains or in the industry of railroads, and have developed a severe illness such as leukemia as a result of negligence on the part of your employer Contact Napoli Shkolnik for a free case review. We can assist you in obtaining compensation for your medical care as well as lost income and other damages. Our attorneys are experienced and committed to helping Texans that have suffered injuries or were wronged.