Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers may claim compensation for injuries. To be successful, the injured person must prove the Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements was negligent in causing the accident.

The evidence presented at the trial included the testimony from a toxicologist who used different studies and the relative risk to demonstrate that Harris’s multiple myeloma was triggered by the exposure to diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure

Exposure to benzene is 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 found in diesel fumes and exhaust that many railroad workers are exposed to on a daily regularly.

Railroad workers may also be exposed by cleaning products like Safety-Kleen or CRC. These kinds of cleaning products typically contain a particular type of benzene, namely the methylbenzene. The methylbenzene can be converted into dioxin, a chemical when it comes in contact with water. Dioxins can cause lung cancer as well as other serious health issues.

Parker Waichman has successfully represented numerous railroad workers in personal injury claims against their employers under FELA. A jury awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Chicago and North Western Union Pacific Railroad Lawsuit, Images.Google.Gg, employee diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors after years of exposure.

In another instance the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma following many years of work as a railway maintenance technician for signals. He claimed his condition was the result of exposures to benzene and diesel exhaust that he encountered working. Prior to the start of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the idea that plaintiff should have known his cancer was related to his exposure to chemicals as well as environmental dangers during his employment at the railroad lawsuits.

Creosote Exposure

Creosote, a toxic chemical used to preserve wood has been linked to various cancers, including skin cancer and scrotal cancer. Creosote is a common problem for railroad workers working in the repair and maintenance of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program has reported that those who handle creosote face a higher risk of developing cancer lethal than the general population.

A recent court case where a railroad worker who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The case alleged that the exposure to diesel exhaust as well as other environmental hazards caused the cancer. The court found that the plaintiff was aware of the damage he could sustain from his railroad job and could have learned about his injuries by conducting an exhaustive search on the internet when the diagnosis came in. He was not able to take the necessary steps and his case was deemed to be time-barred.

In a different instance, the railroad was successful in defending a verdict in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia County by a former railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that he developed bladder cancer due to the exposure he had to secondhand smoke and other toxic chemicals, such as creosote and diesel exhaust.

Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases that involve other types of cancers including lung and union pacific railroad lawsuit prostate cancer, brought by former railroad workers who alleged their cancers were a result of years of exposure to harmful chemicals on the job. Parker Waichman is prepared to review your case facts and present your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos can pose a risk for railroad employees. This exposure often occurs when railroad workers work with railroad ties, or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma and lung cancer and other diseases.

Ronald K. Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit against CSX Transportation claims that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma as a result of his work at the railroad. According to the class action lawsuit against union pacific railroad, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a daily basis. In the process Harris breathed in "harmful, toxic chemicals, fumes, substances, particles, and other substances including but not including diesel exhaust creosote, welding fumes, carbon monoxide and phenols. dioxins, and heavy metals."

We successfully defended our client at an two-week jury trial in 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 caused loss of earnings and suffering and pain. The railroad was found not to be negligent and the plaintiff received a modest award.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a number of different environmental chemicals. Based 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 as because of work done on the railroad, get in touch with Parker Waichman to discuss your options.

In a recent case, a railroad employee was awarded $7.5 million by a jury for having been diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He sued two major railroads, claiming that exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused his health problems.

The railroads filed an appeal for summary judgment asserting that at the time of the plaintiff's diagnosis he was aware of all the facts and causes of his injury. The court agreed and granted the railroads' motion, concluding that plaintiff failed to make a reasonably diligent inquiry into whether his health condition was related to his employment at a railroad.

At trial the plaintiff presented expert testimony from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma may be the result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. In support of this assertion, the expert witness referenced various studies that revealed an association between certain types of cancers and diesel exhaust. However, no reputable scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust to be the cause of multiple myeloma.