25 Surprising Facts About Railroad Lawsuit Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene

A jury awarded $7.5m to an employee of a railroad who contracted leukemia after being exposed toxic chemicals. He was employed by two different railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene which is carcinogen.

The plaintiff's job required him to handle creosote coated tie and other equipment. He claimed that he was frequently completely covered in the chemical.

Benzene

Benzene is one of many hazardous chemicals found to cause cancer. It is a recognized carcinogen, which is present in diesel exhaust fumes which railroad workers are frequently exposed to. Exposure to benzene has been associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and Hodgkin lymphoma among other blood cancers.

Creosote, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens are typical exposures for railway employees. Workers' compensation could pay for some losses and expenses however, it does not cover all. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad may assist plaintiffs to 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 and 2008. He was exposed to a range of petroleum solvents such as creosote that contained benzene distilates of coal, naphtha and paint strippers. John was diagnosed with cancers of different types, including myelodysplastic leukemia, during his career. He died in November 2009 of this type of cancer. The settlement awarded by the jury was $7 million. This sum covers a significant portion of his medical expenses loss of income, pain and discomfort.

Creosote

Creosote consists of a range of chemicals, such as dioxin, pentachlorophenol and polycyclic halocarbons. Long-term exposure to gaseous components of the chemicals could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and a similar illness known as acute myeloidleukemia are also linked to long-term creosote exposure.

Creosote may enter the body through the lungs, stomach and intestines, when food that is contaminated is consumed, drinking water that is contaminated or by contact with the skin. It is absorbed quickly through the skin. It can cause damage to the kidneys, liver the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system. The toxic substance is absorbed through the eyes and may cause a variety of diseases.

Railroad workers are exposed numerous hazardous chemicals in their work environments. If they are injured by these harmful substances, they should be compensated from their employer. Contact our dedicated railroad accident lawyers to discuss your case.

The tiny Florida town of Hull was once home to a railroad company that treated wood with coal-tar creosote to preserve, waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When CSX purchased the company several years ago the chemicals spread and contaminated the property around it. Residents are now suing CSX over the contamination of their drinking water as well as their homes. EPA Administrator Regan visited the area to learn more about the situation. Residents have reported that drinking water contaminated near the UPRR plant can cause childhood leukemia as well as other health problems.

Asbestos

Throughout the years asbestos was utilized to make railroad materials. Many railroad workers were exposed asbestos dust as they worked in steam trains and around or in repair shops. The asbestos particles are usually carried home by workers on their clothes and hair. This exposes their families to the harmful substance.

Despite the dangers of asbestos exposure, a lot of railroad companies resisted or ignored its potential to harm workers' health for decades. Railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer later in life were not given the proper compensation from their employers.

Asbestos claims differ from other claims for workers' compensation because of their complexities. Railroad workers could claim compensation under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). FELA is an alternative to traditional workers compensation laws. Railroad workers who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease are able to file a claim under FELA so long as they can prove that their employer's negligence caused the injury.

The plaintiffs in this case allege that the railroad had contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean up the aftermath. 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. They also suffered the loss of property value because of the contamination.

Lead

People who work on railroads are susceptible to exposure to numerous carcinogenic substances, chemicals, and fumes. These harmful chemicals can trigger a number of debilitating and fatal diseases for workers, such as leukemia. Many of these exposures result of railroad negligence.

Railroad workers are often exposed to welding fumes, diesel exhaust, asbestos and silica among other contaminants. The exposures can lead to a myriad of long-term health issues including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, and other forms of leukemia.

The most common cause of leukemia and other blood and bone marrow conditions is exposure to benzene. The colorless, flammable liquid that has the ability to evaporate into the air. It is used in various industrial processes and is present in the natural environment at lower concentrations. It is also present in gasoline and other products.  Bladder cancer lawsuit  to benzene may have negative effects on the body, particularly if it is inhaled, or ingested.

Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your situation if you worked in a train or railway and were diagnosed with a serious disease like leukemia due to the negligence of your employer. We will assist you in recovering compensation for medical expenses or lost income, as well as other damages. Our attorneys are skilled and passionate about helping Texans who have suffered injuries or were wronged.