Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A railroad worker who contracted leukemia due to exposure to toxic chemicals has been awarded $7.5 million in a verdict of a jury. He worked for two railroads and was exposed to Benzene, which is a known carcinogen.
The plaintiff's job required him deal with creosote coated ties and other equipment. He claimed that he was frequently completely covered from head to foot by the chemical.
Benzene
The chemical Benzene is among many dangerous chemicals that have been found to cause cancer. It is a well-known carcinogen that is present in diesel exhaust fumes, which railroad workers are regularly exposed to. Exposure to benzene can be linked with myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) as well as acute leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma in addition to other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to a variety of carcinogens when on the job, including creosote and diesel exhaust. Although many railway employees are eligible for workers' compensation, these benefits may not cover all of the costs and losses of a victim. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad may assist plaintiffs to recover damages that aren't covered by workers compensation.
The wife of railroad worker John Thompson won a benzene settlement against his employer. John Thompson was 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 petroleum solvents which included benzene-laden Creosote naphtha distillates of coal, carbolineum, and paint strippers. In his professional life, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including a type of leukemia known as myelodysplastic syndrome. He passed away in November 2009 of this disease. The settlement he was awarded by the jury was $7 million. This sum covers a significant portion of his medical expenses loss of income, discomfort and pain.
Creosote
Creosote consists of a range of chemicals, including dioxin, pentachlorophenol, and polycyclic hydrocarbons. Exposure to the gaseous components of the chemicals could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a similar illness known as acute myeloidleukemia have also been linked to long-term creosote exposure.
Creosote can be absorbed through the lungs, stomach and intestines after food that is contaminated is consumed, drinking contaminated water, or through 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 toxins can be absorbed by the eye and can cause a variety of ailments.
Railroad workers are exposed to many hazardous chemicals at their workplaces. If these toxic chemicals cause them harm, they should receive compensation from their employers. Contact our railroad injury lawyers today to discuss your case.
The small Florida town of Hull was once home to a rail company that treated wood using coal-tar creosote to protect, waterproof and insect-proof wooden railroad ties. When CSX bought the company years ago the chemicals spread and contaminated the land around. Residents are now suing CSX over the contamination of their drinking water and homes. lawsuits against union pacific railroad , the EPA Administrator, visited the area in order to learn more. Residents claim that drinking water that is contaminated close to the UPRR plant can cause childhood leukemia as well as other health issues.
Asbestos
The use of asbestos in the production of railroad materials was widespread throughout the years. Asbestos dust was a threat for railroad workers who worked around steam engines and in repair shops. The asbestos particles are usually brought home by workers who wear their clothing and hair. This exposes their families to the dangerous substance.
Despite the dangers associated with asbestos exposure railroad companies have either refused to acknowledge or deny this fact for decades. In the end, many railroad workers who received an asbestos cancer diagnosis later in life were not given sufficient 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. Railroad employees 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 was the cause of their injury.
Plaintiffs in the case claim that the railroad had contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean the area. Residents of the community who resided 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 are exposed a variety of carcinogenic substances, fumes, and chemicals. These harmful chemicals can trigger a number of debilitating and fatal ailments for workers, including leukemia. These exposures are usually caused by railroad negligence.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to welding fumes, diesel exhaust, asbestos and silica among other contaminants. These exposures can result in a variety of long term health problems including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal carcinoma, kidney cancer and other forms of leukemia.
The most common cause of leukemia, as well as other blood and bone marrow disorders is benzene exposure. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that can evaporate into the air. It is used in a variety industrial processes, and it is found in low amounts in the natural environment. It is also present in gasoline and other products. The exposure to benzene, particularly when consumed or inhaled, can have serious health effects.
If you've worked on an train or in the industry of railroads, and have been diagnosed with a fatal disease like leukemia as a result of negligence by your employer or a lack of care, contact Napoli Shkolnik for a free case review. We can assist you in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Our lawyers are committed to helping Texans who have suffered injuries.