Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work
Under FELA, railroad workers can sue to recover compensation for their injuries. However, to make a claim that is successful, the injured person must prove that negligence on the part of the railroad was the cause of their injury.
The evidence presented at the trial included the testimony from an toxicologist who used a variety of studies and relative risks to show that Harris's multiple myeloma had been caused by his exposure diesel exhaust.
Benzene Exposure
Exposure to benzene is linked to a variety of 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 chemical the chemical is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. This chemical is present in diesel fumes and exhaust which many railroad workers are exposed to on a daily on a regular.
Railroad workers can also be exposed to cleaning products like CRC or Safety-Kleen. These kinds of cleaning products typically contain a kind of benzene called methylbenzene. When methylbenzene gets into contact with the water, it transforms into a chemical called dioxin. cancer lawsuits can cause lung cancer and other serious health issues.
Parker Waichman has successfully represented numerous railroad employees in personal injury claims against their employers under FELA. A jury awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Chicago and North Western Railroad employee diagnosed with acute myeloid cancer following years of exposure.
In another case the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma after many years of work as a railroad maintenance technician for signals. He alleged his condition was a result of exposure to diesel exhaust and benzene that he experienced while working. cancer lawsuit filed a summary judgement motion prior to the trial started on the theory plaintiff knew or should have had the knowledge that his cancer was the result of his exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards while working for the railroad.
Creosote Exposure
A poisonous chemical that is used to preserve wood creosote has been linked to various cancers including skin and scrotal cancer. This chemical is often a problem for railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repairs of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program has reported that workers who work with creosote face a higher risk of developing cancer lethal than the general population.
In a recent court case, an employee of a railroad filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that work-related exposure to diesel exhaust as well as environmental dangers led to cancer. The court ruled that the plaintiff was aware of the potential harm from his railroad work and could have discovered his injury through a reasonably thorough internet search at the time that he was diagnosed. Since he was not able to do this his action is deemed to be time-barred.
In a separate instance, the railroad was successful in defending its verdict in a suit filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that he developed bladder cancer due to the exposure he received from secondhand smoke and other chemicals like creosote, diesel exhaust.
Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in the cases involving other types of cancers, including prostate and lung cancer, brought by former railroad employees who claimed their cancers were related to years of exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is available to review your case's details and explain your options.
Asbestos Exposure
Railroad employees can be exposed to asbestos during their employment. The exposure is most often experienced when railroad workers work with railroad ties or repair or install railway equipment. cancer lawsuit is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases.
In a suit filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he developed multiple myeloma due to the effects of his work with the railroad. Harris as per the lawsuit worked daily for CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. As a result Harris inhaled "harmful toxic chemicals, fumes, agents, particles, and other substances, including but not only diesel exhaust, welding fumes, creosote, carbon monoxide and phenols. dioxins and heavy metals."
We successfully defended our client in the two-week trial of a jury in which it was alleged that the repetitive stretching, lifting and twisting while working as a trackman caused herniated lumbar disks and a 25% permanent disability which resulted in loss of wages and suffering and pain. The railroad was found not to be negligent and the plaintiff received only a small amount.
Environmental Exposure
Railroad workers are exposed to a variety of environmental chemicals. Depending on the type of work done, this exposure can cause a variety of health issues which include multiple myeloma. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma due to work on the railroad, you should contact Parker Waichman to discuss your options.
In a recent trial, a railroad employee was awarded $7.5 million by a juror for being diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He filed a lawsuit against two major railroads, claiming their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos caused health issues.
However, the railroads filed a summary judgment motion arguing that the plaintiff was aware of the fundamental facts and possible reasons for his injury at the time of his diagnosis. The court agreed with the railroads and granted their motion, concluding that the plaintiff has not made a reasonable inquiry to determine if his illness was due to his railroad work.
At trial the plaintiff offered expert testimony from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. Leukemia lawsuit claimed that Harris's myeloma is a result of his exposure diesel exhaust. To support this claim, the expert witness referenced various studies that revealed the connection between certain types of cancers and diesel exhaust. But, no reputable scientist has ever claimed that diesel exhaust is a cause of multiple myeloma.