cancer lawsuit Caused by Railroad WorkUnder FELA railroad workers are able to file lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. To be successful, the injured party must prove that the railroad was negligent in causing injury.The evidence presented during the trial included testimony from toxicologist who conducted various studies and relative risk factors to demonstrate that Harris's multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.Benzene ExposureThe benzene compound is associated with many hematopoietic tumours, including Acute Myeloid Leukemia(AML), Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia(ANLL) and Multiple Myeloma. According to cancer lawsuits for Research on Cancer, benzene is a Group 1 Carcinogen. This chemical can be found in diesel fumes and railroad workers are regularly exposed to it.Railroad workers can also be exposed to cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen or CRC. These cleaning products contain a particular type of benzene referred to as methylbenzene. When methylbenzene comes in contact with water, it's transformed into a chemical called dioxin. Dioxins are a group of substances that can cause various serious health problems which include lung cancer.Parker Waichman has represented railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers, in accordance with the FELA. A jury awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Chicago and North Western Railroad employee diagnosed with acute myeloid cancer after years of exposure.In a different case the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma following many years of work as a railroad maintenance technician for signals. The plaintiff claimed that his condition was caused from exposure to diesel exhaust as well as the benzene that he was exposed to during his job. Before the beginning of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the theory that plaintiff knew or could have realized that his cancer was a result of the exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards during his railroad employment.Creosote ExposureA poisonous chemical that is used to preserve wood creosote is linked to several cancers, including skin and scrotal cancer. Railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repair of railway ties are frequently exposed to this chemical. The National Toxicology Program reported that those who handled creosote were at an increased risk than the general public of developing lethal forms of cancer.A recent court case in which a railroad employee sought justice after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma claims his exposure to diesel exhaust and other environmental toxins caused the cancer. Leukemia lawsuit found that the plaintiff was aware of the potential harm from his railroad work and might have discovered his injuries by conducting a fairly thorough internet search prior to the time he was diagnosed. He was not able to take the necessary steps and his case has been deemed time-barred.In a different instance, the railroad was successful in defending a verdict in a lawsuit brought in Philadelphia County by a former railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that he had developed bladder carcinoma as a result his exposure to smoke, other chemicals such as diesel exhaust, and creosote.Parker Waichman has also obtained defense verdicts for cases involving other types of cancers such as lung and prostate cancer. These cases were filed by former railroad workers who claimed that their cancers were caused by a lifetime exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is ready to examine the facts of your case, and then explain your options.Asbestos ExposureRailroad employees may be exposed to asbestos during their employment. The exposure is most often experienced when workers manage railroad ties, or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases.In a suit filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he developed multiple myeloma due to the effects from his work for the railroad. According to the lawsuit, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a daily basis. As a result the worker breathed "harmful toxic chemicals, fumes, agents, particles, and other substances which include but not restricted to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, creosote, carbon monoxide, phenols, dioxins and heavy metals."We successfully defended our client in a two-week jury trial in which it was claimed that repetitive bending, lifting and twisting when working as a trackman caused herniated lumbar disks and an indefinite disability of 25% that caused loss of earnings and pain and suffering. The railroad was not found to be negligent, and the plaintiff was awarded a modest award.Environmental ExposureRailroad workers are exposed to a range of chemicals in the environment. This exposure can cause many health issues including multiple myeloma based on the nature and intensity of the work. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma a result of 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 the jury after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia. He sued two major railroads, alleging that exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused his health problems.However the railroads filed a summary judgement motion, arguing that the plaintiff was aware of the crucial facts and the possible causes of his injury at the time he was diagnosed. The court agreed with the railroads and granted their motion, concluding that the plaintiff had not made a reasonable inquiry to determine whether his condition was related to his employment at a railroad.In the courtroom the plaintiff presented expert testimony from an industrial hygiene specialist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed Harris's myeloma resulted of the exposure he received to diesel exhaust. The expert witness cited numerous studies to back this claim. These studies revealed the connection between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancers. There is no credible scientist, however has ever claimed that diesel exhaust to be the cause of multiple myeloma.