20 Things Only The Most Devoted Railroad Lawsuit Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Fans Are Aware Of

Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers are entitled to bring lawsuits to seek compensation for their injuries. In order to make a claim that is successful, the injured party must prove that negligence on the part of railroad workers was the cause of their injury.

The evidence presented at the trial included testimony from a toxicologist who used different studies and the relative risk to prove that Harris's multiple myeloma had been caused by the exposure to diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure

Exposure to benzene has been linked with 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 (IARC) the chemical the classification of benzene is Group 1 carcinogen. This chemical can be found in diesel fumes, and many railway workers are regularly exposed to it.

Railroad workers may also be exposed to cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen or CRC. These types of cleaning agents typically contain a form of benzene referred to as the methylbenzene. When methylbenzene comes in contact with the water, it is converted into a chemical known as dioxin. Dioxins are a group of substances that can cause numerous health issues including lung cancer.

Parker Waichman has represented railroad employees in personal injury lawsuits 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 myeloidleukemia after years of exposure to solvents and chemicals while working.

Another instance involved a plaintiff diagnosed with multiple myeloma after working as a railroad signal maintenance engineer for several years. The plaintiff claimed that his condition was the result of exposures to benzene and diesel exhaust that he was exposed to on the job. Prior to the start of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based upon the idea that plaintiff should have known his cancer was caused by his exposures to chemicals and environmental dangers while working in the railroad.

Creosote Exposure

A toxic chemical used to preserve wood creosote is linked to several cancers, including skin and scrotal cancer. This substance is often a issue for railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repair of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program has reported that workers who handle creosote are at a greater risk of developing cancer that is fatal than the general population.

A recent court case in which a railroad worker filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma claims the exposure to diesel exhaust and other environmental toxins caused the cancer. The judge determined that the plaintiff was aware of the potential negative effects of his work at the railroad and could have discovered the injury via a reasonable internet search at the time that he was diagnosed. Since he was not able to take this step his action is deemed to be time-barred.

In a separate case, the railroad was successful in defending its verdict in a suit brought in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that he had developed bladder carcinoma as a result the exposure he received to smoke and other chemical substances such as diesel exhaust and creosote.

Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in the cases involving other types of cancers, including lung and prostate cancer, which was brought by former railroad workers who alleged their cancers were a result of an exposure to toxic chemicals while working. Parker Waichman is prepared to review your case facts and present your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos can be a problem for railroad workers. Workers are exposed to asbestos when they operate railroad ties, repair or install railway gear, or work on railroad railway ties. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other illnesses.

class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad . Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit against CSX Transportation claims that he contracted multiple myeloma because of his work at the railroad. Harris as per the lawsuit, was employed every day by CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. He breathed "harmful and toxic chemicals, agents and fumes including but not limited to diesel exhaust, welding fumes and creosote.

We successfully defended our client in a two-week jury trial in which it was claimed that repetitive stretching, lifting and twisting during the course of work caused herniated lumbar disks and a 25% permanent disability which resulted in loss of wages and suffering and pain. The railroad was not found to be negligent and the plaintiff received just a tiny amount.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a number of different environmental chemicals. Based on the type of work that is performed this exposure can cause a variety of health issues which include multiple myeloma. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma a result of work on the railroad, contact Parker Waichman to discuss your options.

In a recent case, a railroad employee was awarded $7.5 million by a juror for being diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma and myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He sued two major railways and claimed 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 fundamental facts and possible reasons for his injury at the time of his diagnosis. The court agreed and granted the railroads' motion concluding that the plaintiff was unable to conduct a reasonable inquiry into whether the condition was related to his railroad employment.

The plaintiff offered evidence from an industrial hygienist as well as epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma is a result of his exposure diesel exhaust. The expert witness provided numerous studies to support this assertion. These studies proved the connection between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancer. But, no reputable scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is the reason of multiple myeloma.