Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A railroad worker who developed leukemia from 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 carcinogen that has been identified.
The plaintiff's job required him handle creosote-coated ties as well as equipment. He claimed that he was often completely covered by the chemical.
Benzene
Benzene, one of many harmful chemicals that can cause cancer, is a carcinogen. It is a carcinogen that is found in diesel exhaust fumes which railroad workers are regularly exposed to. Exposure to benzene is associated to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute leukemia in addition to other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are usually exposed to a variety of carcinogens while working on the job, such as creosote and diesel exhaust. Although many railway employees are eligible for workers' compensation, the benefits may not cover all of the costs and losses of a victim. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad might help plaintiffs recover damages that are not covered by workers' compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a settlement involving benzene for wrongful deaths against his employer. Her husband was an employee of maintenance of ways for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 between 1976 and 2008. He endured chronic exposures to a variety of petroleum solvents that included benzene-laden creosote naphtha, coal tar distillates carbolineum, paint strippers. In his professional life, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including a form of leukemia referred to as myelodysplastic. He passed away in November 2009 of this illness. The jury awarded $7 million as a settlement. The settlement covers a substantial portion of his medical expenses including lost income, pain and discomfort.
Creosote
A variety of chemicals are present in creosote, such as dioxin, pentachlorophenol and phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure to the vapors of the chemicals can cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a similar illness known as acute myeloidleukemia have also been linked to long-term exposure to creosote.
Creosote can be absorbed via the lungs, the stomach and intestines, when contaminated food is eaten or contaminated water is drunk or through contact with the skin. It is quickly absorbed by the skin. It can cause damage to the liver, kidneys as well as the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The toxic mixture may be absorbed by the eye and trigger a range of illnesses.
csx railroad lawsuit are exposed to numerous hazardous chemicals in their work environments. If these toxic chemicals cause harm to them the workers should be compensated from their employers. Contact our railroad injury lawyers today to discuss your case.
Hull is a small Florida town, was once the home of an old rail company that used coal-tar creosote on wood to protect against insects and waterproof railroad ties made of wood. When the company was purchased by CSX several years ago the chemicals grew to infect the property around it. Residents are suing CSX for contaminating their homes as well as drinking water. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to learn more about the situation. Residents claim that drinking water that is contaminated close to the UPRR plant is causing leukemia in children and other health issues.
Asbestos
Over the years asbestos was used to make railroad materials. Asbestos dust could pose a threat to railroad workers who worked around steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos particles are usually taken home by employees on their hair and clothing. This exposes their families to the deadly material.
Despite the risks of asbestos exposure, many railroad companies resisted or ignored the potential harm it could cause to workers' health for decades. Some railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer later in life did not receive adequate compensation from their employers.
Due to their complexity asbestos lawsuits differ from other workers' compensation claims. Railroad workers could be able to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a substitute for traditional laws governing workers' compensation. FELA allows railroad employees with asbestos-related illnesses to file a claim when they can prove their employer's negligence is 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 remove the traces of the contamination. The residents of the community that lived in the area at the time of contamination suffered from lung and throat cancers, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. The contamination also caused a decrease in property value.
Lead
Rail workers may be exposed to various carcinogenic substances, fumes and chemicals. These harmful chemicals can trigger many debilitating and fatal illnesses for workers, including leukemia. A lot of these incidents are the result of railroad negligence.
Rail workers are exposed different toxins including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and asbestos. The exposures could lead to lung cancer, bladder and esophageal carcinomas kidney cancer, as well as other types of leukemia.
Exposure to benzene can be the most common reason for leukemia, as well as other blood and bone-marrow disorders. The colorless, liquid that is flammable and can evaporate into the air. It is employed in many industrial processes and it is present in low amounts in the surrounding environment. The chemical is also present in gasoline and many other products. Exposure to benzene when consumed or inhaled, can have a number of health risks.
If you've been on trains or in the railroad industry and have developed a severe illness like leukemia as the result of the negligence of your employer Contact Napoli Shkolnik for a free case review. We will help you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Our lawyers are passionate about helping Texans who have been injured.
