Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad WorkUnder FELA, railroad workers can bring lawsuits to seek compensation for their injuries. To be successful, the person who was injured will need to prove that the railroad was negligent in causing the accident.The evidence presented during the trial included testimony from toxicologist who relied on different studies and their relative risks to establish that Harris's multi myeloma was the result of the exposure to diesel exhaust.Benzene ExposureExposure to benzene is linked to 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 chemical is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. The chemical is present in diesel fumes, and many railroad workers are regularly exposed to it.Additionally, certain railroad workers are exposed to benzene through cleaning products like Safety-Kleen and CRC. These cleaning agents contain a specific benzene known as methylbenzene. The methylbenzene can be converted into a chemical known as dioxin when it comes into contact with water. Dioxins are a class of substances that can cause a variety of serious health problems including lung cancer.Parker Waichman has successfully represented many railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers under FELA. A jury gave $7.5 million to an ex- Chicago and North Western Railroad employee who was diagnosed with acute myeloid cancer following years of exposure.In a different case the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma resulting from several years of employment as a railroad maintenance technician for signals. He claimed that his illness was caused from exposure to diesel exhaust and benzene exposure he experienced during his job. BNSF filed an appeal to dismiss the summary judgment before the trial began based on the claim that plaintiff knew or should have knew that his cancer was caused by exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards when working for the railroad.Creosote ExposureCreosote is a toxic chemical used to preserve wood is linked to various cancers, including skin cancer and scrotal carcinoma. Railroad workers working 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 a higher risk than the general population of developing lethal forms of cancer.In a recent court case, an employee of a railroad filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma lawsuit claimed that his work-related exposure to diesel exhaust as well as environmental hazards led to the development of cancer. The court found that the plaintiff was aware of any potential dangers he might suffer because of his job as a railroad worker and could have found out about his injuries by conducting an exhaustive search on the internet when he was diagnosed. He did not do so and the case is now barred.In a separate instance, the railroad was successful in defending its verdict in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that he developed bladder cancer due to his occupational exposure to secondhand smoke and other chemicals like creosote or diesel exhaust.Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases that involve other types of cancers, including lung and prostate cancers, which were brought by former railroad employees who claimed their cancers were related to a lifetime of exposure to harmful chemicals on the job. The firm is ready to analyze the facts of your case and explain your options.Asbestos ExposureRailroad employees could be exposed to asbestos in their work. The exposure is most often experienced when railroad workers work with railroad ties or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos exposure could cause mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as other ailments.Ronald K. Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit brought against CSX Transportation claims that he contracted multiple myeloma due to his job at the railroad. According to the lawsuit, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a daily basis. He breathed "harmful and toxic chemicals, agents and fumes including but not limited to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and creosote.We successfully defended our client at the course of a two-week jury trial which it was claimed that repetitive stretching, lifting and twisting while working as a trackman caused herniated discs in the lumbar region and a 25% permanent disability that resulted in a loss of wages as well as pain and suffering. The railroad was found not be negligent and the plaintiff received only a minimal award.Environmental ExposureRailroad workers are exposed a range of chemicals in the environment. This exposure can trigger various health issues including multiple myeloma based on the type and extent of the work. Contact Kidney cancer lawsuit if you or a family member has been diagnosed with myeloma following working on a railroad.In a recent trial, a railroad employee was awarded $7.5 million by a juror for being diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He filed a lawsuit against two major railroads, claiming their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos caused health issues.However the railroads brought a summary judgment motion arguing that the plaintiff was aware of essential facts and potential causes of his injury by the time of his diagnosis. Lymphoma lawsuit ruled in favor of the railroads' motion concluding that the plaintiff had failed to make a reasonably diligent inquiry into whether his illness was due to his employment at a railroad.At trial the plaintiff presented expert testimony from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. Expert witnesses stated that Harris's myeloma is the result of his exposure diesel exhaust. In support of this claim the expert witness cited various studies that revealed an association between certain types of cancer and diesel exhaust. However, no reputable scientist has ever claimed that diesel exhaust is the cause of multiple myeloma.