A Railroad Lawsuit For Acute Myeloid LeukemiaRailroad workers often have prolonged exposure to carcinogenic chemicals as well as substances such as creosote, benzene, and asbestos. If union pacific railroad lawsuits believe that exposure to these chemicals during work caused your cancer, you could be entitled to compensation.The FELA allows railroad workers to sue for negligence. Contact a specialist railroad lawsuit acute myeloidleukemia lawyer for more details.Benzene ExposureBenzene is a colorless, poisonous gas that can cause cancer in people who are exposed to it over long periods of time. It is produced in the environment, as well as by the emission of gas and tobacco smoke. The human body can absorb benzene through the skin. A railway worker who has developed cancer because of exposure to benzene may be eligible to sue their employer for compensation.In one instance a railroad worker who died widow was awarded $1,500,000 in damages from the company which employed him. Her husband, who died in 1995, was a pumpman for various tankers in the 1970s as well as the 80s. BNSF Railway lawsuit was exposed to benzene's toxic fumes. When he passed away from acute myeloidleukemia in 1995 his wife filed a wrongful-death claim against the vessel's owner.Acute myeloidleukemia is an aggressive cancer that could be fatal in few months if treated promptly. It is most commonly treated with chemotherapy, however in some instances radiation and targeted therapy are also possible.We obtained defense verdicts for a class 1 railroad in two cases in which plaintiffs claimed that they suffered injuries to their brains from solvent-induced exposure over their 23 years on the rails. The defense provided expert testimony by a medical expert regarding causality, industrial hygiene and the jury concluded that the work environment of the railroad was fairly safe.Creosote ExposureCoal creosote tar is a mix of hundreds of chemicals used to protect wood, including railroad ties. It is a known carcinogen including polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Creosote's PAHs are taken up through the skin, and are ingested through drinking water contaminated with the chemical. PAHs can also be absorbed into the lung where they can cause lung cancer.Inhalation exposure to creosote can cause a variety of symptoms such as irritation to the respiratory tract, eye problems and nausea and vomiting. It can also cause third and fourth degree burns to the skin. The coal tar creosote contains a mixture of PAH compounds, including naphthalene as well as other carcinogenic compounds such as Acenaphthene.Creosote exposure can affect the health of family members and employees as well. For instance, certain workers have developed basal cell tumors papular which are typical occupational skin cancers that may spread to other parts of the body. Some have also suffered from chronic asthma, esophageal esophagus ulcers, and fibrosis of the lungs and liver. union pacific railroad lawsuits of times, the railroad industry does not adequately inform employees about the dangers of a long-term exposure to toxic substances. For instance, it's common for railroad workers to leave diesel-powered forklifts, locomotives and cranes running during their work. They produce large quantities of diesel exhaust, which can be ingested and inhaled through the lung. They also soak rags in benzene-containing solvents to clean machines and tools.Workers' CompensationRailroad workers who have been diagnosed with cancer or another chronic illness because of exposure to toxic chemicals such as creosote or benzene may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and other damages. A New York railroad cancer attorney could help workers pursue claims for damages monetary under the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA.Many health issues resulting from occupational exposure to carcinogenic chemicals like diesel fumes, asbestos and silica don't manifest themselves until a worker is older. Thus, the statute of limitations generally only lasts for three years from when someone is first diagnosed with the disease. This is why it is important that any potential victims contact an experienced attorney for railroad accidents as soon as possible when they are diagnosed.In a recent lawsuit, Napoli Shkolnik PLLC was able to successfully defend a lawsuit brought against our client by a former railroad employee who had been diagnosed with leukemia after a long period of exposure toxic chemicals. The plaintiff alleged that the company had violated FELA by failing to train their employees and equip employees with the correct safety equipment.The jury gave the plaintiff $7.5 million in damages after finding his cancer was linked to his work on the Chicago & North Western Railroad. The man was exposed toxic chemicals like benzene creosote, as well as degreasing solvents while working for the company.FELAFormer railroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals at work could be qualified to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). In contrast to workers' comp laws that provide victims with medical expenses as well as some lost wages, FELA is a fault-based statute that requires evidence that the railroad's employer failed to protect its workers from the dangers of chemical exposures.Railroad companies frequently fight FELA claims involving occupational illness. Defense attorneys typically argue that the former employee is unable to pinpoint specific instances of unhealthy conditions. They are also critical of official tests that show the presence of carcinogens, or chemicals in the parts or equipment used by the railway.A successful FELA claim is awarded compensation for past and future physical suffering and pain as well as loss of enjoyment of life, psychological distress, and other related damages. If the victim dies as a result of their injuries the wrongful death claim could be filed to obtain the compensation of the deceased's family members.We partner with FELA attorneys to help injured railroad employees receive the financial assistance they need. Contact us today to arrange an evaluation of your case at no cost. We represent railroad workers across the United States, including New York City, Boston, Hartford, St. Louis, Denver, and other cities.