Notes

This Is How Railroad Lawsuit Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Will Look In 10 Years
Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers are able to file lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. To be successful, the injured party must prove the railroad was negligent in causing the injury.

The evidence presented in the trial included testimony from toxicologist who utilized various studies and risk factors to demonstrate that Harris's multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure

The exposure to benzene can be 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 is classified as a Group 1 Carcinogen. The chemical is present in diesel fumes, and many railroad workers are regularly exposed to it.

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

Parker Waichman has represented railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers, under the FELA. For instance, a jury awarded a former Chicago and North Western Railroad worker $7.5 million for the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia following years of exposure to solvents and chemicals on the job.

In another instance, a plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma resulting from several years of employment as a railroad maintenance technician for signals. He claimed his condition was caused by exposure to benzene and diesel exhaust that he encountered working. BNSF filed an motion for summary judgment prior to the trial started on the idea that plaintiff knew or should have been aware 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 that is used as a wood preserver creosote has been associated with several cancers, including scrotal and skin cancer. Railroad workers who worked on the maintenance and repair of railway ties are often exposed to this chemical. 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 in which a railroad employee filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma alleges his occupational exposures to diesel exhaust and other environmental dangers caused the cancer. The court decided that the plaintiff was aware of the damage he could sustain due to his job at the railroad and could have learned about his injury through a diligent internet search when he was diagnosed. Because he failed to do this his claim is time-barred.

In a separate case, the railroad won its defense verdict in a suit filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that he had developed bladder cancer due to his exposure to secondhand smoke and other chemicals like creosote and diesel exhaust.

Parker Waichman has also obtained defense verdicts in cases that involve other types cancers, like prostate and lung cancer. lawsuits against union pacific railroad were filed by former railroad workers who claimed their cancers were resulted from a lifetime exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is ready to analyze the facts of your case, and then explain your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos may pose a health risk for railroad employees. This is often the case when railroad workers work with railroad ties or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer as well as other ailments.

In a lawsuit filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris alleges that he developed multiple myeloma due to the effects of his employment with the railroad. Harris, according to the lawsuit, was employed every day by CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. As a result the worker breathed "harmful, toxic chemicals, agents, fumes, particles, and substances which include but not limited to diesel exhaust creosote, welding fumes, carbon monoxide, phenols, dioxins and heavy metals."

We successfully represented our clients at the jury trial that lasted two weeks, where it was alleged repetitive lifting and bending during work as trackmen resulted in herniated disks in the lumbar region. This resulted in a 25% disability permanent resulting in lost wage and pain and discomfort. The railroad was not found to be negligent, and the plaintiff received only a modest amount.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a range of chemicals in the environment. Depending on the type of work done, this exposure can result in a myriad of health issues including multiple myeloma. Contact Parker Waichman if you or a family member has been diagnosed with myeloma due to working on railroads.

In a recent trial a railroad employee was awarded $7.5 million by a jury after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He filed a lawsuit against two major railroads, claiming that their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos led to his health issues.

However the railroads subsequently filed a summary judgment motion arguing that the plaintiff was aware of fundamental facts and possible causes of his injury at the time of his diagnosis. The court sided with the railroads and granted their motion, concluding the plaintiff had not made a reasonable inquiry to determine if his illness was related to his railroad work.


In the courtroom the plaintiff offered expert evidence from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. Expert witnesses stated Harris's myeloma was the result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. The expert witness cited various studies to prove this. These studies revealed an association between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancers. But, no reputable scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is a cause of multiple myeloma.

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