20 Myths About Railroad Lawsuit Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Debunked

Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene

A jury awarded $7.5m to an employee of a railroad who contracted leukemia following exposure to toxic chemicals. He was employed by two railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene, known carcinogen.

The plaintiff's work required him to work with creosote-coated tie and other equipment. He claimed that he was often completely covered by the chemical.

Benzene

The chemical Benzene is among many dangerous chemicals that have been discovered to cause cancer. It is a carcinogen and is present in diesel exhaust which railroad workers are exposed to on a regular basis. Benzene exposure has been associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as 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 a victim's expenses and losses. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad may help plaintiffs recover damages not 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 right employee who worked for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad from 1976 until 2008. He was constantly exposed to various solvents from petroleum, including benzene-laden creosote, naphtha, coal distillates carbolineum, paint strippers. Throughout his career, John suffered from multiple forms of cancer, including one type of leukemia known as myelodysplastic syndrome. He died from this illness in November 2009. The jury awarded him $7 million as a settlement. The settlement covers a significant part of his medical expenses as well as the loss of income and suffering and pain.

Creosote

Several chemicals are found in creosote, such as dioxin, phenols, pentachlorophenol and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to the gaseous components of the chemicals could cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Creosote exposure for long periods of time has also been linked to skin cancer and an illness that is similar in nature to acute myeloid lymphoma.

Creosote can enter the body via the lungs, the stomach and intestines when contaminated food is eaten or contaminated water is drunk or by contact with the skin. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin. Exposure to this mixture can harm the kidneys, liver and the central nervous system. The toxic mix can be absorbed through the eyes and cause a range of illnesses.

Rail workers are exposed of hazardous chemicals in their job. 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 railroad company that treated wood with coal-tar creosote in order to preserve, waterproof and insectproof wooden railroad ties. When CSX bought the company years ago, the chemicals spread and contaminated the land around. Residents are suing CSX for contaminating their homes and drinking water. Regan the EPA Administrator, visited the area to find out more. Residents say that contaminated drinking water close to the UPRR plant causes childhood leukemia and other health problems.

Asbestos

Throughout the years, asbestos was used to create railroad materials. Many railroad employees were exposed to dangerous asbestos dust while working in steam trains and around or inside repair shops. These asbestos fibers were typically brought home on hair and clothing of the workers and exposed loved ones to the dangerous material.

Despite the dangers of exposure to asbestos, a number of railroad companies were unaware or oblivious to its potential for harming workers' health for years. This is why some railroad workers who had an asbestos cancer diagnosis later in life weren't given adequate compensation from their employers.

Asbestos lawsuits differ from other claims for workers' compensation because of their complexities. Railroad workers might be able to claim compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a possible alternative to traditional laws governing workers' compensation. FELA allows railroad employees suffering from asbestos-related illnesses to file a claim if they can prove their employer's negligence was the reason of their illness.

union pacific railroad lawsuit in this case claim that the railroad contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean up its aftermath. The residents of the community that lived in the area at the time of the contamination suffered from lung and throat cancers, asthma and other respiratory diseases. They also suffered from the loss in property value due to the contamination.

Lead

Those who work on railroads can be exposed to many carcinogenic chemicals, substances and fumes. These toxic chemicals are known to cause leukemia and other fatal illnesses in workers. These exposures are often caused by railroad negligence.

Railroad workers are often exposed to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, asbestos and silica among other toxins. The exposures can lead to various long-term health problems including bladder cancer, lung cancer, esophageal carcinoma, kidney cancer, as well as other forms of leukemia.

The most common cause of leukemia and other blood and bone marrow disorders is benzene exposure. Benzene, a colorless fluid that is flammable and can evaporate into air, is a substance that can cause leukemia. It is employed in many industrial processes and it can be found in small amounts in the environment. Benzene can also be found in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene could have adverse effects on your body, particularly when it is inhaled or consumed.

Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your situation when you worked on a train or a railroad and were diagnosed with a serious disease like leukemia as a result of the negligence of your employer. We can help you get compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Our attorneys are experienced and passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.