Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A jury has awarded $7.5m to a railroad worker who developed leukemia after exposure to toxic chemicals. He worked for two railroad companies, and was exposed to Benzene which is a carcinogen.
railroad lawsuit required him manage creosote-coated equipment and ties. He claimed that he was frequently covered from head to foot by the chemical.
Benzene
Benzene, one of the numerous harmful chemicals that could cause cancer is a carcinogen. It is a carcinogen that is found in diesel exhaust and fumes, which railroad workers are exposed to often. Exposure to benzene is associated with myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Hodgkin's Lymphoma and acute leukemia among other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are typically exposed to a variety of carcinogens when on the job, including creosote and diesel exhaust. Workers' compensation could pay for certain losses and expenses, but not all. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad might help plaintiffs recover damages that aren't covered by workers' compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a benzene wrongful death settlement against his employer. John Thompson was an employee of maintenance of ways for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 and 2008. He was exposed to a variety of petroleum solvents such as creosote containing benzene distilates of coal tar, naphtha and paint strippers. During his career, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including a particular type of leukemia known as myelodysplastic. He passed away from this disease in November 2009. The jury awarded him $7 million as an amount of compensation. The settlement covers a significant part of his medical expenses as well as lost income and pain and suffering.
Creosote
Creosote is a mixture of chemicals, including dioxin pentachlorophenol, and polycyclic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to chemical vapors can cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a related illness known as acute myeloidleukemia have been linked to long-term exposure to creosote.
Creosote gets into the body through the lungs via air pollution through the stomach and intestines through eating contaminated food or drinking unclean water or coming into contact with the skin. It is absorbed rapidly through the skin. Exposure to it can cause damage the kidneys, liver stomach, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. The toxic mixture can also be taken up through the eyes and may cause a variety of ailments.
Railroad workers are exposed numerous hazardous chemicals in their work environments. When toxic substances cause them harm they are entitled to compensation from their employers. Contact our dedicated railroad injury lawyers to discuss your case.
The small Florida town of Hull was once home to a rail company that treated wood with coal-tar creosote in order to preserve, waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When the company was bought by CSX several years ago the chemicals grew to contaminate the surrounding property. Residents are seeking to sue CSX for the contaminating their homes and drinking water. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to find out more about the situation. Residents say that contaminated drinking water close to the UPRR plant can cause childhood leukemia as well as other health issues.
Asbestos
Over the years, asbestos was utilized to make railroad materials. Asbestos dust could pose a threat to railroad workers who worked near steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos particles were frequently carried home on the hair and clothing of the employees and exposed loved ones to the dangerous material.
Despite the dangers of exposure to asbestos, many railroad companies resisted or ignored its potential to harm workers' health for decades. Some railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos cancer later in life were not given the proper compensation from their employers.
Asbestos claims differ from other claims for workers' compensation due to their complexity. Railroad workers may be able to claim compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a possible alternative to traditional laws governing workers' compensation. Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness can file a claim under FELA provided that they can prove that their employer's negligence was the cause of their injury.
The plaintiffs in this case allege that the railroad contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean up the mess. The residents of the area at the time of the contamination suffered from a variety health issues that include throat and lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. They also suffered the loss of property value because of the contamination.
Lead
Those who work on railroads can be exposed to many carcinogenic chemicals, chemicals and fumes. These harmful chemicals can cause a number of debilitating and fatal illnesses for employees, including leukemia. These exposures are often due to railroad negligence.
Rail workers are exposed a variety of toxins, including diesel exhaust, welding fumes and asbestos. These exposures can cause a myriad of long-term health issues including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal carcinoma, kidney cancer and other forms of leukemia.
Exposure to benzene may be the main reason for leukemia, as well as other bone-marrow and blood diseases. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that can evaporate into the air. It is employed in various industrial processes, and it is found in low amounts in the natural environment. It is also found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene when inhaled or consumed, can have a number of health risks.
Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free assessment of your case in the event that you worked on a railroad or train and developed a serious illness like leukemia due to the negligence of your employer. We will assist you in recovering compensation for your medical care loss of income, and other damages. Our lawyers are committed to helping Texans who have suffered injuries.