Notes

Seven Explanations On Why Railroad Lawsuit Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Is Important
Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers may claim compensation for injuries. However, in order to succeed in bringing a claim, the injured worker must prove that the railroad's negligence contributed to their injury.

The evidence presented in the trial included testimony from an toxicologist, who relied on various studies and risk factors to show Harris's myeloma was caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure

Benzene exposure is associated with a variety of hematopoietic cancers which 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 benzene is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. This chemical is found in diesel fumes and exhaust, which many railroad workers are exposed to on a daily on a regular.

Moreover, some railroad workers are also exposed to benzene by using cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen or CRC. These kinds of cleaning agents typically contain a kind of benzene, namely the methylbenzene. When methylbenzene is in contact with water, it's transformed into a chemical called dioxin. Dioxins are a group of substances that can lead to a variety of serious health issues such as lung cancer.

Parker Waichman has successfully represented many railroad workers in personal injury claims against their employers under FELA. A jury awarded $7.5 million to a former 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 following several years of working as a railway maintenance technician for signals. He claimed his condition was caused from exposure to diesel exhaust, as well as benzene he had experienced during his job. Prior to the commencement of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based upon the idea that plaintiff should have known his cancer was related to exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards during his railroad employment.

Creosote Exposure

Creosote is a toxic chemical used to preserve wood is linked to several cancers including skin cancer and scrotal cancer. This chemical is often a issue for railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repairs of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program reported that those who handled creosote were at a higher risk than the general population of developing lethal forms of cancer.

In the recent court case, railroad workers sued after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that work-related exposure to diesel exhaust and other environmental hazards led to the development of cancer. The court ruled that the plaintiff knew of the potential dangers he might suffer from his work at the railroad, and could have discovered about his injury through an exhaustive search on the internet when the diagnosis came in. The plaintiff did not take the necessary steps and his case is now barred.

In a different case, the railroad was successful in defending its decision in a case filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that he developed bladder cancer as a result of the exposure he received from secondhand smoke and other chemicals, like creosote or diesel exhaust.

Parker Waichman has also obtained defense verdicts in cases involving other types cancers, such as lung and prostate cancer. These cases were brought by former railroad workers who claimed their cancers had been caused by a lifetime exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is ready to analyze the facts of your case and explain your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos may pose a health risk for railroad workers. This exposure often occurs when workers manage railroad ties or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers.

Ronald K. Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit brought against CSX Transportation claims that he contracted multiple myeloma through his job at the railroad. Harris according to the lawsuit worked daily for CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. In the process the worker breathed "harmful chemicals, toxic agents, fumes and particles, and other substances which include but not including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, creosote, carbon monoxide, phenols dioxins, and heavy metals."


We successfully represented our clients in a jury trial lasting two weeks, in which it was alleged that repetitive lifting and bending during work as trackmen caused herniated discs in the lumbar region and permanent disability of 25% leading to loss of earnings as well as pain and discomfort. The railroad was found not to be negligent, and the plaintiff received only a minimal award.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a number of different environmental chemicals. Depending on the type of work that is performed this exposure can lead to numerous health problems such as multiple myeloma. Contact Parker Waichman if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with myeloma as a result of working on the railroad.

In a recent court case, an employee of a railroad was awarded $7.5 million by a jury for being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic Disorder (MDS). He filed a lawsuit against two major railroads, alleging that exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused his health problems.

The railroads filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that, at the time of the plaintiff's diagnosis the plaintiff was aware of the facts and causes of his injury. The court ruled in favor of the railroads' motion concluding that the plaintiff had failed to conduct a reasonable investigation into whether his illness was due to his work at the railroad.

The plaintiff provided expert testimony at trial from an industrial hygienist, as well as epidemiologists. Expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma was a result of the exposure he received to diesel exhaust. In support of this claim the expert witness cited several studies that proved an association between certain types of cancer and diesel exhaust. However, Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is the reason of multiple myeloma.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/railroadcancersettlements