Here's A Little-Known Fact About Railroad Lawsuit Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers are able to claim compensation for injuries. To be successful, the injured person will need to prove that the railroad was negligent in causing the injury.

The evidence presented during the trial included testimony of a toxicologist who used different studies and relative risks to show that Harris's multiple myeloma had been caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure

Exposure to benzene has been linked with a range of hematopoietic tumors that include Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia (ANLL) and Multiple Myeloma. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), benzene is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. The chemical is present in diesel fumes, and many railway workers are regularly exposed to it.

Moreover, some railroad workers are also exposed to benzene from cleaning products like Safety-Kleen as well as CRC. These cleaning products contain a particular type of benzene referred to as methylbenzene. The methylbenzene converts to a chemical known as dioxin when it comes in contact with water. Dioxins can cause lung cancer and other serious health issues.

Parker Waichman has represented railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers, as part of the FELA. A jury handed down $7.5 million to an ex- Chicago and North Western Railroad employee diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors after years of exposure.

Another case involved the plaintiff who was diagnosed with myeloma after working as an engineer in the maintenance of railroad signals for several years.  cancer lawsuit  claimed that his condition was caused from exposure to diesel exhaust as well as benzene exposure he experienced while working. Prior to the start of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the theory that plaintiff knew or should have known his cancer was due to his exposure to chemicals as well as environmental hazards while working for the railroad.

Creosote Exposure

A toxic chemical used as a wood preservative creosote is associated with various cancers, including scrotal and skin cancer. Railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repair of railway ties are frequently exposed to this substance. The National Toxicology Program reported that workers who handled creosote had an increased risk than the general population of developing lethal forms of cancer.

In an upcoming court case, a railroad worker sued after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that exposure to diesel exhaust and other environmental dangers caused cancer. The court decided that the plaintiff was aware of the damage he could incur from his railroad job and could have found out about his condition by conducting an exhaustive internet search prior to when the diagnosis came in. He was not able to do so and the case has been deemed time-barred.

In a different case, the railroad was able to win a defense verdict in a case filed in Philadelphia County by a former railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that the cause of his illness was bladder cancer as a result of his exposure to smoke and other chemicals like diesel exhaust and creosote.

union pacific railroad lawsuit  has also secured defense verdicts in the cases involving other types of cancers, such as prostate and lung cancer, which was brought by former railroad workers who claimed their cancers were a result of an exposure to toxic chemicals while working. The firm is ready to review the facts of your case and explain your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Railroad employees could be exposed to asbestos in their work. Workers are exposed to asbestos when they work with railroad ties, fix or install railway equipment or work on railroad tracks. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers.

In a suit filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris alleges that he developed multiple myeloma because of his work with the railroad. According to the lawsuit, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a daily basis. He inhaled "harmful and toxic fumes, chemicals, and agents including, but not limited to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and creosote.

We successfully defended our clients during the trial of a jury that lasted two weeks.  Bladder cancer lawsuit  was claimed that the repetitive lifting and bending during work as trackmen caused herniated disks in the lumbar region, causing permanent disability of 25% which resulted in a loss of wage and pain and discomfort. The railroad was found not to be negligent, and the plaintiff received a minimal award.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a variety of environmental chemicals. This exposure can trigger numerous health problems including multiple myeloma, based on the type and extent of the work. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma as a result of work on the railroad, you should contact Parker Waichman to discuss your options.

In a recent case, an employee of a railroad was awarded $7.5 million by a juror for being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic Disorder (MDS).  cancer lawsuits  filed a lawsuit against two major railroads, claiming that their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused his health problems.

However the railroads filed a summary judgement motion, arguing that the plaintiff was aware of the essential facts and potential reasons for his injury at the time he was diagnosed. The court sided with the railroads and granted their motion concluding the plaintiff had not made a reasonable inquiry to determine if his illness was related to his railroad employment.

The plaintiff offered expert testimony at trial from an industrial hygienist, as well as epidemiologists. Expert witnesses stated Harris's myeloma was the result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. In support of this claim, the expert witness referenced several studies that proved that there was a link between certain kinds of cancers and diesel exhaust. However, no respected scientist has ever claimed that diesel exhaust is the cause of multiple myeloma.