Railroad class action lawsuit against railroads – Leukemia Caused by Benzene
A railroad worker who developed leukemia after exposure to toxic chemicals was awarded $7.5 million in a jury verdict. He worked for two railroads and was exposed to Benzene known carcinogen.
The plaintiff’s work required him to work with creosote-coated ties and equipment. He claimed that he was completely covered from head to foot in the chemical.
Benzene
Benzene is one of many hazardous chemicals that have been discovered to cause cancer. It is a carcinogen that is found in diesel exhaust that railroad workers are exposed to often. Exposure to benzene has been associated to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and acute leukemia as well as other blood cancers.
Railroad workers are frequently exposed to a variety of carcinogens during their time on the job, including creosote and diesel exhaust. Although many railway employees are eligible for workers’ compensation, the benefits might not cover all of a victim’s expenses and losses. A benzene Class Action Lawsuit Against Railroads against a railroad can aid plaintiffs in recovering damages not covered by workers compensation.
The widow of railroad worker John Thompson won a benzene settlement against his employer. Her husband worked as a maintenance of ways employee for the Chicago and North Western Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad between 1976 until 2008. He was continuously exposed to various solvents of petroleum that included benzene-laden creosote coal tar distillates, naphtha, carbolineum, and paint strippers. Throughout his career, John suffered from multiple types of cancer, including a form of leukemia known as myelodysplastic syndrome. John passed away from this condition in November 2009. The jury awarded $7 million as a settlement. This sum covers a large portion of his medical bills, lost income and discomfort and pain.
Creosote
There are a variety of chemicals found in creosote, such as dioxin, pentachlorophenol, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure for long periods can cause irritation of the respiratory tract. Skin cancer and class action lawsuit against railroads a leukemia-like disease known as acute myeloid leukemia have been linked to long-term exposure to creosote.
Creosote is able to enter the body via the lungs, the stomach and intestines after the food is contaminated or drinking water that is contaminated or through contact with the skin. It is absorbed rapidly through the skin. The exposure can cause damage to the liver, kidneys the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system. The toxic mixture can also be in the eyes and may cause a variety of diseases.
Rail workers are exposed to a range of hazardous chemicals at their job. If these harmful substances cause harm, they should receive compensation from their employers. Contact our dedicated railroad accident lawyers to discuss your case.
The tiny Florida town of Hull was once home to a railroad lawsuits company that treated wood with coal-tar creosote, Class Action Lawsuit Against Railroads which was used to preserve waterproof and insect-proof wooden railroad ties. When the company was bought by CSX several years ago the chemicals were spread 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 say that the drinking water contaminated close to the UPRR facility cause leukemia in children as well as other health issues.
Asbestos
Over the years, asbestos was utilized to make railroad materials. Asbestos dust posed a risk for railroad workers who worked around steam trains and in repair shops. The asbestos particles were frequently transported home on the hair and clothing of workers and exposed loved ones to the dangerous material.
Despite the dangers of asbestos exposure, many railroad companies were unaware or oblivious to the possibility of harm to workers’ health for decades. As a result, many railroad workers who received an asbestos cancer diagnosis later in life did not receive adequate compensation from their employers.
Asbestos lawsuits are distinct from other workers’ compensation claims because of their complexities. Railroad workers might be able to seek compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a different way to traditional laws governing workers’ compensation. FELA permits railroad employees suffering from asbestos-related ailments to file a claim when they can prove their employer’s negligence was the reason of their illness.
The plaintiffs in this case claim that the railroad had contaminated the Fifth Ward area with dangerous chemicals and failed to clean up the mess. Residents of the community who lived in the area during the time of the contamination suffered from throat and lung cancers, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. They also were impacted by the loss of property value because of the contamination.
Lead
Rail workers can be exposed numerous carcinogenic substances, fumes and chemicals. These toxic chemicals are known to cause leukemia as well as other fatal illnesses in workers. These exposures are often caused by railroad negligence.
railroad class action lawsuit workers are frequently exposed to diesel exhaust, welding fumes asbestos and silica as well as other toxins. These exposures can lead to various long-term health issues including lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer kidney cancer, and various forms of leukemia.
One primary cause of leukemia, as well as other blood and bone marrow conditions is exposure to benzene. Benzene, a colorless fluid that is flammable and can evaporate into air, is a substance that can cause leukemia. It is utilized in many industrial processes and can be found in the air at lower concentrations. It is also present in gasoline and other products. Exposure to benzene in particular, when inhaled or consumed, can have serious health effects.
If you have worked on an train or in the railroad industry and have developed a serious illness like leukemia as the result of the negligence of your employer and/or negligence, you should contact Napoli Shkolnik for a free case review. We can help you obtain compensation for your medical care or lost income, as well as other damages. Our attorneys are skilled and passionate about helping Texans who have been injured or wronged.