What Are The Biggest "Myths" About Railroad Lawsuit Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Could Be A Lie

Railroad Lawsuit - Leukemia Caused by Benzene

A railroad worker who developed leukemia from exposure to toxic chemicals was awarded $7.5 million in a jury verdict. He was employed by two different railroad companies and was exposed to Benzene which is carcinogen.

The plaintiff's job required him handle creosote-coated ties as well as equipment. He claimed that the chemical was covering his entire body from head to toe.

Benzene

The chemical Benzene is among many dangerous chemicals that have been proven to cause cancer. It is a carcinogen, and is found in diesel exhaust and fumes, which railroad workers are exposed to regularly. Exposure to benzene has been associated to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute leukemia among other blood cancers.

Creosote, diesel exhaust, and other carcinogens are all common exposures for railway workers. Workers' compensation may pay for certain losses and expenses, but not all. A benzene lawsuit against a railroad can help plaintiffs recover damages not covered by workers' compensation.

The widow of railroad worker John Thompson recently won a settlement for wrongful death involving benzene against his employer. John Thompson was a maintenance of ways employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 until 2008. He was exposed to a variety of petroleum solvents such as creosote that contained benzene distilates of coal tar naphtha, paint strippers, and naphtha. During his career, John suffered from multiple types of cancer, including a form of leukemia known as myelodysplastic syndrome. He died in November 2009 from this disease. The settlement awarded by the jury was $7 million. This amount covers a substantial portion of his medical bills as well as lost income and suffering and pain.

Creosote

Many chemicals are present in creosote. These include pentachlorophenol, phenols, dioxin and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure for long periods can 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 to acute myeloid lymphoma.

Creosote gets into the body through the lungs, as air pollution, through the stomach and intestines, either by eating or drinking water that is contaminated or by contact with the skin. It is quickly absorbed through the skin. Exposure to this mixture can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. The toxic mix can be absorbed by the eye and can cause a variety of diseases.

Railroad workers are exposed to numerous hazardous chemicals in their work environments. If they are injured by these harmful chemicals, they deserve compensation from their employer. Contact our dedicated railroad injury lawyers to discuss your case.

Hull is a small Florida town, was the home of an old railroad company which used coal-tar creosote wood to protect against insects and waterproof wooden railroad tie. When CSX bought the company many years ago the chemicals spread throughout the town and contaminated the property around it. Residents are now suing CSX over the contamination of their drinking water and homes. Regan, the EPA Administrator, toured the area in order to learn more. Residents claim that drinking water sources that are contaminated close to the UPRR facility are causing leukemia in children, as well as other health issues.

Asbestos

The use of asbestos for railroad materials was commonplace over the decades. Asbestos dust could pose a threat to many railroad workers who worked in steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos particles are usually transported home by workers wearing their clothing and hair. Their families are exposed to the harmful substance.

Despite the dangers associated with asbestos exposure railroad companies have either dismissed or denied the dangers for many years. Some railroad workers who were diagnosed with asbestos cancer later in life didn't receive adequate compensation from their employer.

Due to their complexity asbestos lawsuits differ from other workers' compensation claims.  railroad lawsuit  could be able to seek 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 may file a claim under FELA, as long as they can prove their employer's negligence was the cause of their injury.

The plaintiffs in the case assert that the railroad had contaminated Fifth Ward with dangerous chemicals and did not clean it up. The residents of the community at the time of the contamination have suffered from a variety of health issues that include throat and lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. The contamination also caused a loss in property value.

Lead

Workers on railroads can be exposed to many carcinogenic substances, chemicals and fumes. These toxic chemicals can cause a number of debilitating and fatal illnesses for workers, including leukemia. A lot of these exposures are the result of negligence in railroads.

Rail workers are exposed various toxins, including diesel exhaust, welding fumes and asbestos. These exposures can result in a myriad of long-term health problems, including bladder cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, and various forms of leukemia.

Exposure to benzene is the main cause of leukemia and other bone-marrow diseases and blood diseases. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that can evaporate into the air. It is used in various industrial processes, and is also found in the air at low levels. It is also present in gasoline as well as other products. Exposure to benzene can have detrimental effects on the body, particularly if it is inhaled or ingested.

Contact Napoli Shkolnik to receive a free review of your situation in the event that you worked in a train or railway and developed a serious illness like leukemia due to the negligence of your employer. We can help you get compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Our attorneys are skilled and committed to helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.