Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury has awarded $7.5m to a railway worker who developed leukemia following exposure to toxic chemicals. He worked for two railroads and was exposed to Benzene, known carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him to work with creosote-coated ties and equipment. He claimed that the chemical was frequently covering his entire body from head to toe.
Benzene
The chemical Benzene is one of the 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 regularly exposed to. Exposure to benzene has been linked to myelodysplastic disorder (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Hodgkin lymphoma, among other blood cancers.
Creosote and diesel exhaust as well as other carcinogens are common exposures for railway employees. Workers' compensation may pay for some losses and expenses but not all. A benzene suit against a railroad can aid plaintiffs in recovering damages that are not covered by workers' compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson won a benzene settlement against his employer. Her husband worked as maintenance of ways employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 until 2008. He was exposed to various solvents from petroleum such as benzene-laden sulfosote, naphtha distillates of coal carbolineum, paint strippers. John suffered from cancers of different types, including myelodysplastic leukemia, during his career. He died from this illness in November 2009. The settlement he was awarded by the jury was $7 million. The settlement covers a significant portion of his medical costs as well as the loss of income and suffering and pain.
Creosote
A variety of chemicals are present in creosote, such as dioxin, phenols, pentachlorophenol and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to chemical vapors could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a leukemia-like illness called acute myeloid leukemia have also been associated with long-term exposure to creosote.
Creosote is able to enter the body via the lungs, the stomach and intestines after the food is contaminated or drinking contaminated water, or by contact with the skin. It is absorbed rapidly through the skin. Exposure can cause damage to the liver, kidneys as well as the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The toxic mix can be absorbed via the eye and trigger a range of ailments.
Rail workers are exposed to a wide range of harmful chemicals at their job. If they get injured by these harmful substances, they should be compensated from their employer. Contact our dedicated railroad injury lawyers to discuss your case.
The small Florida town of Hull was once home to a railroad company that treated wood using coal-tar creosote, which was used to preserve waterproof and insect-proof wooden railroad ties. When CSX purchased the company a few years ago the chemicals spread and contaminated the land around. Residents are suing CSX for contaminating their homes as well as drinking water. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to find out more about the situation. Residents have reported that drinking water contaminated near the UPRR plant can cause childhood leukemia as well as other health issues.
Asbestos
Through the years asbestos was used to make railroad materials. Many railroad workers were exposed asbestos dust when they worked in steam trains and around them, or in repair shops. The asbestos dust was often transported home on the workers' clothing and hair and exposed loved ones to the dangerous material.
Despite the risks of asbestos exposure, a lot of railroad companies resisted or ignored its potential for harming workers' health for years. Railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos cancer later in life did not receive adequate compensation from their employer.
Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements are distinct from other claims for workers' compensation because of their complexities. Railroad workers might be able to seek compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is an alternative to traditional workers' compensation laws. FELA allows railroad employees with asbestos-related diseases to file claims when they can prove their employer's negligence was the reason of their injury.
The plaintiffs in the case assert that the railroad had contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals, and failed to clean it up. People who lived in the area at the time of the contamination have been affected by a variety of health issues, including lung and throat cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. They also suffered the loss of property value due to the contamination.
Lead
Workers on railroads are susceptible to exposure to numerous carcinogenic chemicals, substances and fumes. These harmful chemicals are known to cause leukemia and other fatal diseases in workers. A lot of these exposures result of negligence on the part of railroad workers.
Rail workers are exposed to different toxins including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and asbestos. These exposures may lead to lung cancer bladder and esophageal carcinomas, kidney cancer, and other types of leukemia.
One of the main causes of leukemia, as well as other bone marrow and blood diseases is exposure to benzene. Benzene, a colorless liquid that is flammable and can evaporate into air, is a chemical that can cause leukemia. It is used in a variety industrial processes, and is present in small amounts in the environment. Benzene can also be found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene can cause detrimental effects on the body, particularly when it is breathed in or consumed.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free evaluation of your case in the event that you worked on a train or a railroad and were diagnosed with a serious disease like leukemia due to the negligence of your employer. We can help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Our lawyers are committed to helping Texans who have suffered injuries.