Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad WorkUnder FELA railroad workers are able to sue to recover compensation for injuries. To be successful, the person who was injured must prove the railroad was negligent in causing the injury.The evidence presented during the trial included the testimony of toxicologist who utilized different studies and the relative risk to demonstrate that Harris’s multiple myeloma was triggered by his exposure to diesel exhaust.Benzene ExposureThe benzene compound is associated with several hematopoietic tumors that 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 is found in diesel fumes and exhaust, which many railroad workers are exposed to on a regular routine.Some railroad workers are also exposed to cleaning products such as CRC or Safety-Kleen. These cleaning products typically contain a form of benzene known as methylbenzene. When methylbenzene is in contact with water, it is converted into a chemical known as dioxin. Dioxins can cause lung cancer and other serious health problems.Parker Waichman has successfully represented numerous railroad employees in personal injury claims against their employers under FELA. A jury handed down $7.5 million to an ex Chicago and North Western Railroad employee diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors after years of exposure.In another instance, a plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma resulting from many years of work as a railroad signal maintenance technician. BNSF Railway lawsuit claimed that his illness was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust, as well as benzene exposure he experienced while working. BNSF filed an motion for summary judgment prior to the trial began on the claim that plaintiff knew or should have been aware that his cancer was a result of exposure to environmental hazards and chemicals while working for the railroad. csx lawsuit is a toxic chemical used to preserve wood, has been linked with several cancers including skin cancer and scrotal cancer. Railroad workers who were involved in the maintenance and repair of railway ties are regularly exposed to this chemical. The National Toxicology Program reported that workers who handled creosote had a higher risk than the general public of developing lethal forms of cancer.In a recent court case a railroad worker sued after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that his work-related exposure to diesel exhaust as well as environmental dangers led to cancer. The court determined that the plaintiff was aware of the potential dangers posed by his work in the railroad and could have discovered the injury by conducting a fairly thorough internet search prior to the time he was diagnosed. Since he was not able to do this his claim is time-barred.In a different instance, the railroad was able to win a defense verdict in a case filed in Philadelphia County by a former railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that he had developed bladder cancer as a result of his occupational exposure to secondhand smoke and other chemicals like creosote, diesel exhaust.Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases involving other types of cancers, including prostate and lung cancer, which was brought by former railroad workers who claimed their cancers were a result of years of exposure to toxic chemicals while working. The firm is ready to analyze the facts of your case and provide your options.Asbestos ExposureRailroad employees may be exposed to asbestos during their job. This exposure often occurs when workers handle railroad ties, or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma or lung cancer and other diseases.Ronald K. Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit brought against CSX Transportation claims that he contracted multiple myeloma through his job at the railroad. According to the lawsuit, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a regular basis. He inhaled "harmful and toxic chemicals, agents and fumes including but not restricted to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and creosote.We successfully defended our client during the two-week trial of a jury in which it was claimed that repetitive bent, lifting and twisting while working as a trackman caused lumbar disc herniation and a 25% permanent disability resulting in lost wages and pain and suffering. The railroad was found not be negligent and the plaintiff was awarded just a tiny amount.Environmental ExposureRailroad workers are exposed to a range of chemicals in the environment. Depending on the type of work done, this exposure can cause health issues of a variety such as multiple myeloma. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma due to work on the railroad, get in touch with Parker Waichman to discuss your options.In a recent instance, an employee of a railroad received $7.5 million from a jury after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia. He filed a lawsuit against two major railroads, claiming that exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused his health issues.However the railroads filed a summary judgement 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 with the railroads and granted their motion, concluding the plaintiff had not made a reasonable inquiry to determine if the condition was connected to his railroad employment.At trial the plaintiff presented expert testimony from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed Harris's myeloma was the result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. In support of this claim the expert witness cited several studies that proved that there was a link between certain kinds of cancer and diesel exhaust. However, no reputable scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is the reason of multiple myeloma.