Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

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

The evidence in the trial included the testimony of toxicologist who utilized different studies and risk factors to prove Harris's myeloma was caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure

Exposure to benzene is linked to a variety of hematopoietic malignancies which 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 is classified as a Group 1 Carcinogen. This chemical is found in diesel fumes and exhaust which railroad workers are exposed to on a regular routine.

Some railroad workers are exposed to cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen or CRC. These cleaning agents contain a particular type of benzene referred to as methylbenzene. The methylbenzene converts to dioxin, a chemical 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, in accordance with the FELA. For example, a jury awarded an ex- Chicago and ftp.cytoday.com.cy North Western Railroad worker $7.5 million after he was diagnosed of acute myeloid leukemia following years of exposure to chemicals and solvents while working.

Another instance involved the plaintiff who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma while working as an engineer for [Redirect-302] railroad signal maintenance for a number of years. He claimed his condition was caused by exposures to diesel exhaust and benzene which he was exposed to while working. BNSF filed a summary judgement motion prior to the trial began based on the premise that plaintiff knew or should've known that his cancer was the result of his exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards while working for the railroad.

Creosote Exposure

Creosote is a toxic chemical used to preserve wood has been linked to several cancers including skin cancer and scrotal carcinoma. Creosote is a common issue for railroad workers working in the repair and maintenance of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program reported that those who handled creosote were at an increased risk than the general population of developing fatal forms of cancer.

A recent court case in which a railway worker filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma alleges his exposure to diesel exhaust and other environmental hazards caused the cancer. The court found that the plaintiff was aware of the possibility of dangers posed by his work in the railroad and might have discovered his injuries through a reasonably diligent internet search prior to the time he was diagnosed. He did not do so and his claim has been deemed time-barred.

In a separate case the railroad was successful in defending its decision in a case filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that he had developed bladder cancer as a result of being exposed to smoke and other chemical substances such as diesel exhaust, and creosote.

Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases involving different types of cancers such as prostate and lung cancers, which were brought by former railroad employees who claimed their cancers were related to an exposure to toxic chemicals while working. The firm is prepared to examine the facts of your case and discuss your options.

Asbestos Exposure

railroad Controls limited lawsuit (pediascape.science) employees could be exposed to asbestos during their job. Workers are exposed to asbestos while they work on railroad ties, fix or install railway equipment or work on railroad railway ties. Asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other illnesses.

In a suit filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he contracted multiple myeloma due to the effects of his employment with the railroad. Harris, according to the class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad worked daily for CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. He breathed "harmful and toxic chemical, agents and fumes including but not limited to diesel exhaust, welding fumes and creosote.

We successfully represented our clients in the trial of a jury that lasted two weeks. It was claimed that repetitive lifting and bending as trackmen caused herniated discs in the lumbar region, causing a 25% disability permanent that resulted in loss of wages as well as discomfort and pain. The railroad was found not to be negligent and the plaintiff was awarded only a small amount.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a number of different environmental chemicals. Based on the kind of work they do and the type of work, exposure to chemicals can cause health issues of a variety which include multiple myeloma. Contact Parker Waichman if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with myeloma as a result of working on railroads.

In a recent court case, a railroad lawsuit employee was awarded $7.5 million by a juror for being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic Symptom (MDS). He filed a lawsuit lawsuits against union pacific railroad two major railroads in the claim that 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 most important facts and potential causes of his injury by the time he was diagnosed. The court sided with the railroads and granted their motion, concluding that the plaintiff has not made a reasonable inquiry to determine if his condition was due to his railroad employment.

In the courtroom the plaintiff provided expert testimony from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. Expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma resulted of the exposure he received to diesel exhaust. The expert witness referenced a variety of studies to back this claim. These studies revealed a correlation between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancer. However, no reputable scientist has ever claimed that diesel exhaust is the main cause of multiple myeloma.