Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work
Under FELA railroad workers are able to claim compensation for injuries. To be successful, the injured party must prove that the railroad was negligent in causing injury.
The evidence presented during the trial included the testimony from an toxicologist who used a variety of studies and the relative risk to prove that Harris's multiple myeloma had been caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.
Benzene Exposure
The exposure to benzene can be linked to a variety of hematopoietic malignancies that include Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia (ANLL) and Multiple Myeloma. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the chemical benzene belongs to the Group 1 Carcinogen. The chemical is present in diesel fumes, and railroad workers are frequently exposed to it.
Some railroad workers are also exposed to cleaning products such as CRC or Safety-Kleen. These cleaning agents contain a type benzene known as methylbenzene. The methylbenzene transforms into a chemical known as dioxin when it comes into contact with water. Dioxins are a class of chemicals that can trigger many serious health problems including lung cancer.
Parker Waichman has represented railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers, under the FELA. A jury gave $7.5 million to an ex Chicago and North Western Railroad employee diagnosed with acute myeloid carcinoma after years of exposure.
In another case the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma following many years of work as a railroad maintenance technician for signals. He claimed his condition was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust and benzene that he encountered on the job. BNSF filed a summary judgement motion prior to the trial started on the idea that plaintiff knew or should have known that his cancer was caused by his exposure to environmental hazards and chemicals when working for the railroad.
Creosote Exposure
Creosote, a poisonous chemical used to preserve wood has been linked to several cancers including skin cancer and scrotal cancer. Leukemia lawsuit is often a problem for railroad workers working in the repair and maintenance of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program reported that workers who handled creosote had more risk than general population of developing lethal forms of cancer.
A recent court case in which a railway worker filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma claims his occupational exposures to diesel exhaust and other environmental dangers caused the cancer. The judge determined that the plaintiff was aware of the potential negative effects of his work at the railroad and could have discovered the injury through a reasonably thorough internet search prior to the time he was diagnosed. Since he did not do this his action is deemed to be time-barred.
In a separate case the railroad was successful in defending its verdict in a suit filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that he had developed bladder cancer as a result of his occupational exposure to secondhand smoke and other chemicals like creosote, diesel exhaust.
Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases involving other types of cancers including prostate and lung cancer, brought by other former railroad employees who claimed that their cancers stemmed from years of exposure to harmful chemicals on the job. cancer lawsuits is prepared to review your case's details and provide you with options.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos may pose a health risk for railroad workers. Workers are exposed to asbestos when they operate railroad ties, repair or install railway gear, or work on railroad ties. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other diseases.
Ronald K. Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against CSX Transportation claims that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma as a result of his work at the railroad. cancer lawsuit , according to the lawsuit, was employed every day by CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. He breathed "harmful and toxic fumes, chemicals, and agents including, but not limited to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and creosote.
We successfully defended our client during the course of a two-week jury trial which it was alleged that the repetitive bent, lifting and twisting during the course of work caused herniated discs in the lumbar region and a 25% permanent disability that resulted in a loss of wages as well as suffering and pain. The railroad was not found to be negligent and the plaintiff was awarded a small award.
Environmental Exposure
Railroad workers are exposed to a number of different environmental chemicals. Depending on cancer lawsuit of work they do and the type of work, exposure to chemicals can cause a variety of health issues, including multiple myeloma. Contact Parker Waichman if you or a family member has been diagnosed with myeloma after working on railroads.
In a recent case, an employee of a railroad was awarded $7.5 million by a juror for being diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma and myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He sued two major railways, claiming their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused health issues.
However, the railroads filed an appeal based on summary judgment, which argued that the plaintiff was aware of the crucial facts and the possible reasons for his injury at the time of his diagnosis. The court sided with the railroads and granted their motion, concluding that the plaintiff hadn't made a reasonable inquiry to determine if his condition was due to his work at the railroad.
The plaintiff presented expert testimony during the trial of an industrial hygienist as as epidemiologists. The expert witnesses said that Harris's myeloma is the result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. To support this claim, the expert witness referenced various studies that revealed the connection between certain types of cancer and diesel exhaust. No reputable scientist, however, has ever concluded diesel exhaust to be the cause of multiple myeloma.