Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad WorkUnder FELA railroad workers may sue to recover compensation for injuries. To be successful, the injured party must prove that the railroad was negligent in causing the injury.The evidence presented at the trial included testimony from toxicologist who utilized various studies and risk factors to demonstrate that Harris's multiple myeloma was caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.Benzene ExposureBenzene exposure is associated with a variety of hematopoietic malignancies, including 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 railroad workers are regularly exposed to it.Moreover, some railroad workers are also exposed to benzene from cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen or CRC. These cleaning agents contain a specific benzene known as methylbenzene. When methylbenzene gets into contact with water, it transforms into a chemical called dioxin. Dioxins are a group of substances that can cause many serious health problems which include lung cancer.Parker Waichman has represented railroad employees in personal injury lawsuits against their employers, under the FELA. For example an award was made by a jury to a former Chicago and North Western Railroad worker $7.5 million after he was diagnosed of acute myeloid leukemia after years of exposure to chemicals and solvents on the job.Another instance involved one plaintiff who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma while working as an engineer of railroad signal maintenance for several years. The plaintiff claimed that his condition was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust, as well as benzene exposure he experienced on the job. BNSF filed a summary judgment motion before the trial started on the theory plaintiff knew or should've knew that his cancer was caused by exposure to environmental hazards and chemicals while working for the railroad.Creosote ExposureCreosote, a toxic chemical used to preserve wood has been linked to various cancers, including skin cancer and scrotal cancer. Creosote is a common issue for railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repairs of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program has reported that workers who work with creosote face a higher risk of developing cancer that is fatal than the general population.In an upcoming court case, railroad workers sued after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that his work-related exposure to diesel exhaust and environmental hazards caused cancer. The court decided that the plaintiff was aware of any potential dangers he might suffer from his railroad job and could have discovered about his condition by conducting an extensive internet search before he was diagnosed. The plaintiff did not do so and his action is now time-barred.In Bladder cancer lawsuit was able to win a defense verdict in a case filed in Philadelphia County by a former railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that he was diagnosed with bladder carcinoma as a result his occupational exposure to smoke, other chemicals such as diesel exhaust and creosote.Parker Waichman has also obtained defense verdicts in cases that involve other types of cancers like prostate and lung cancer. These cases were filed by former railroad workers who claimed their cancers had been due to a lifetime exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is ready to review your case's details and discuss your options.Asbestos ExposureAsbestos can pose a risk for railroad employees. Workers are exposed to asbestos when they handle railroad ties, fix or install railway gear, or work on railroad railway ties. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other maladies.In a suit filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Leukemia lawsuit claims that he developed multiple myeloma as a result from his work for the railroad. Harris according to the lawsuit, was employed every day by CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. In the process the worker breathed "harmful chemicals, toxic agents, fumes and particles, and substances which include but not limited to diesel exhaust creosote, welding fumes, carbon monoxide, phenols, dioxins, and heavy metals."We successfully represented our clients at an in-depth jury trial that lasted for two weeks, where it was claimed that the repetitive lifting and bending while working as trackmen caused herniated disks in the lumbar region, causing an injury that caused a 25% disability for the rest of his life which resulted in a loss of wage as well as pain and discomfort. The railroad was found not to be negligent, and the plaintiff received only a small amount.Environmental ExposureRailroad workers are exposed a variety of environmental chemicals. This exposure can cause many health issues including multiple myeloma based on the type and extent of the work. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma as because of work done on the railroad, you should contact Parker Waichman to discuss your options.In a recent court case, an employee of a railroad was awarded $7.5 million by a jury for having been diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma and myelodysplastic Disorder (MDS). He filed a lawsuit against two major railroads and claimed that their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused health issues. railroad cancer lawsuit filed an appeal for summary judgment arguing that, at the time of the plaintiff's diagnosis, the plaintiff was aware of the circumstances and causes of his injury. Leukemia lawsuit sided with the railroads and granted their motion, concluding that the plaintiff has not conducted a reasonable investigation to determine if his condition was due to his employment at a railroad.The plaintiff gave expert testimony in the trial of an industrial hygienist, as well as epidemiologists. Expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma resulted of the exposure he received to diesel exhaust. To support this claim the expert witness cited various studies that showed an association between certain types of cancer and diesel exhaust. But, no reputable scientist has ever claimed that diesel exhaust is the main cause of multiple myeloma.