Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work
Under FELA railroad workers can claim compensation for injuries. In Interstitial lung disease lawsuit to bring a successful claim, the injured party must prove that negligence on the part of the railroad played a role in causing their injuries.
The evidence presented during the trial included the testimony of an toxicologist who used a variety of studies and their relative risks to establish that Harris's multi myeloma had been caused by his exposure diesel exhaust.
Benzene Exposure
The exposure to benzene can be linked to various hematopoietic cancers that include Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia (ANLL) and Multiple Myeloma. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the classification of benzene is Group 1 carcinogen. This chemical is found in diesel fumes and exhaust which many railroad workers are exposed to on a daily regularly.
Additionally, some railroad workers are also exposed to benzene by using cleaning products like Safety-Kleen and CRC. These types of cleaning agents typically contain a type of benzene known as the methylbenzene. The methylbenzene is converted to a chemical known as dioxin when it comes into contact with water. Dioxins can cause lung cancer as well as other serious health issues.
Parker Waichman has represented railroad employees in personal injury lawsuits against their employers, in accordance with the FELA. A jury handed down $7.5 million to a former Chicago and North Western Railroad employee who was diagnosed with acute myeloid carcinoma after years of exposure.
In a different case the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma following many years of work as a railway signal maintenance technician. He claimed his condition was caused from exposure to diesel exhaust and the benzene that he was exposed to while working. Prior to the start of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the idea that plaintiff knew or ought to have known that his cancer was due to his exposures to chemicals and environmental hazards while working for the railroad.
Creosote Exposure
A toxic chemical used to preserve wood creosote has been linked to various cancers including skin and scrotal cancer. Railroad workers who worked on the maintenance and repair of railway ties are often exposed to this chemical. The National Toxicology Program reported that workers who handled creosote had an increased risk than the general population of developing fatal forms of cancer.
In an upcoming court case, an employee of a railroad filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that his exposure to diesel exhaust and environmental dangers caused cancer. The court ruled that the plaintiff was aware of the potential damage he could incur from his work at the railroad, and could have learned about his injury through a diligent internet search when he was diagnosed. He failed to undertake the search and his action is now time-barred.
In a separate case the railroad was successful in defending its verdict in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad worker. Interstitial lung disease lawsuit claimed that the cause of his illness was bladder cancer as a result of the exposure he received to smoke and other chemical substances such as diesel exhaust, and creosote.
Esophageal cancer lawsuit has also secured defense verdicts in cases involving other types of cancers including lung and prostate cancer, brought by other former railroad workers who alleged their cancers were caused by a lifetime of exposure to toxic chemicals while working. The firm is ready to review your case's details and explain your options.
Asbestos Exposure
Railroad workers may be exposed to asbestos during their employment. Workers are exposed to asbestos while they work on railroad ties, repair or install railway gear or work on railroad railway ties. Asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases.
In a case filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he developed multiple myeloma as a result of his work for the railroad. Harris as per the lawsuit worked daily for CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. Harris breathed "harmful and toxic substances, fumes and chemicals including but not restricted to diesel exhaust, welding fumes and creosote.
We successfully represented our client in an two-week jury trial in which it was claimed that repetitive bending, lifting, and twisting while working as a trackman resulted in herniated lumbar disks, and an indefinite disability of 25% which resulted in loss of wages and pain and suffering. The railroad was found not to be negligent and the plaintiff was awarded only a small amount.
Esophageal cancer lawsuit are exposed to a number of different environmental chemicals. Based on the type of work that is performed and the type of work, exposure to chemicals can cause a variety of health issues which include multiple myeloma. Contact Parker Waichman if you or a family member has been diagnosed with myeloma due to working on a railroad.
In a recent case an employee of a railroad received $7.5 million from an appeals court after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia. He sued two major railroads, alleging that their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused health issues for him.
However the railroads filed a summary judgment motion arguing that the plaintiff was aware of the fundamental facts and possible causes of his injury by the time of his diagnosis. The court agreed and granted the railroads' motion, concluding that plaintiff failed to conduct a reasonable inquiry into whether or not his condition was connected to his work at the railroad.
At trial the plaintiff provided expert testimony from an industrial hygiene specialist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma may be the result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. The expert witness referenced a variety of studies to back this claim. These studies revealed that there was a link between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancer. However, no reputable scientist, has ever concluded diesel exhaust is the source of multiple myeloma.