A Railroad Lawsuit For Acute Myeloid LeukemiaRailroad workers frequently have prolonged exposure to carcinogenic chemical and substances like creosote or benzene as well as asbestos. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and believe that your exposure to these chemicals while working caused it, you could be entitled to compensation. railroad cancer lawsuit allows railroad workers to sue for negligence. Contact a specific railroad lawsuit acute myeloidleukemia lawyer for more information.Benzene ExposureBenzene, a colorless toxic gas can cause cancer if exposed to for a prolonged period. It is naturally produced in the environment, as well as by gas emissions and tobacco smoke. The human body can also absorb benzene through the skin. A railroad worker who has suffered from cancer as a result of exposure to benzene might be able to sue their employer to receive compensation.In one case, a deceased railroad employee's widow was awarded $1,500,000 in damages from the company which employed him. Her late husband was a pumpman on different tankers during the 1970s and 80s. He was frequently exposed to benzene, a toxic chemical. His wife filed a suit for unjustified death against the vessel's owner following his passed away in the year 1995 from acute myeloid lymphoma.Acute myeloid leukemia is a fast-moving cancer that can be fatal in one or two months if treated promptly. It is usually treated with chemotherapy. However, in a few instances, targeted therapy and radiation might be employed.We secured defense verdicts in two cases, in which plaintiffs claimed brain injury from solvent-induced exposure over their 23-year journey on rail. The defense presented expert evidence on medical causation and industrial hygiene, and the jury found that the work environment of the railroad was reasonably safe.Creosote ExposureCoal creosote, also known as tar, is a blend of hundreds of chemicals that are used to protect wood, like railroad ties. It contains several known carcinogens including polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAHs in creosote are absorption through the skin and can be ingested via drinking water that is contaminated by the chemical. PAHs are also absorbed into the lungs, where they may cause lung cancer.Creosote inhalation may trigger several symptoms, including respiratory irritation, eye problems and nausea and vomiting. It can cause skin burns in the second and third degrees. Coal tar creosote contains numerous PAH compounds such as naphthalene and acenaphthene fluorene, phenanthrene, and fluorene All of them are carcinogenic.Exposure to creosote can affect the health of family members and employees, as well. Certain workers have developed papular basis cell carcinomas (common occupational skin cancers) that may develop to different parts of the body. Others have been affected by chronic lung disease and liver fibrosis, esophageal and esophageal, and chronic bronchitis.In many cases, the railroad industry isn't able communicate effectively with employees about the dangers of prolonged exposure to toxic substances. It is not uncommon for railroad workers to leave cranes, diesel locomotives or forklifts running while working. Diesel exhaust from these engines could be inhaled and eaten. They also soak rags in benzene containing solvents to clean machines and tools.Worker's CompensationRailroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer or another chronic illness because of exposure to toxic chemicals such as benzene and creosote may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other losses. A New York railroad cancer lawyer could help workers pursue claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to recover damages in cash.Many diseases resulting from occupational exposure to carcinogenic chemicals like asbestos and diesel fumes are not apparent until a person is older. Thus, the statute of limitations in most cases only runs for three years from when a person is first diagnosed with the illness. It is therefore crucial that potential victims contact an attorney for railroad injuries promptly after being diagnosed.In a recent lawsuit, Napoli Shkolnik PLLC was able to successfully defend a lawsuit filed against our client by an ex-railroad employee who had been diagnosed with leukemia as a result of years of exposure toxic chemicals. The plaintiff alleged that the company had violated FELA by failing to properly train their employees and provide them with the proper safety equipment.The jury gave the plaintiff damages of $7.5 million after concluding that the cancer was directly related to his work at the Chicago & North Western Railroad. The man was exposed to benzene by the company and other toxic chemicals like creosote, benzene and degreasing agents.FELAFormer railroad workers who are diagnosed with cancer because of exposure to toxic substances at work could be qualified to claim compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). In contrast to workers' compensation laws that provide victims with medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, FELA is a fault-based law that requires proof that the railroad's employer did not adequately protect its employees from the dangers of chemical exposures.Railroad companies are often involved in fighting FELA claims for occupational diseases. Defense lawyers often claim that the former employee is unable to identify specific instances of health problems. They are also critical of official tests indicating the presence of carcinogens or toxins in equipment or parts employed by the railway.If you win a FELA claim the family members of the victim can be compensated for past and future suffering and pain, loss in enjoyment of life, mental distress, and other damages. If the victim dies due to their injuries, a wrongful death claim may be pursued to recover compensation for the deceased's family members.At Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, we work with experienced FELA lawyers to help injured railroad workers obtain the financial assistance they require. Contact us to schedule an evaluation of your case for free. We represent railroad workers throughout the country, including New York City, Boston, Hartford, St. Louis, Denver, and other cities.