Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad WorkUnder FELA railroad workers are able to sue to obtain compensation for injuries. In order to succeed in bringing a claim, the injured worker must show that negligence by the railroad played a role in causing their injuries.The evidence presented in the trial included testimony from an toxicologist, who relied on various studies and relative risk factors to establish that Harris's multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.Benzene ExposureBenzene is linked to 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, it is a Group 1 Carcinogen. This chemical is found in diesel fumes and many railway workers are regularly exposed to it.Additionally, certain railroad workers are exposed to benzene through cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen or CRC. These cleaning products typically contain a form of benzene, namely the methylbenzene. The methylbenzene converts to dioxin, a chemical when it comes in contact with water. Dioxins are a group of substances that can cause many serious health issues such as lung cancer.Parker Waichman has represented railroad employees in personal injury lawsuits against their employers, in accordance with the FELA. A jury gave $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, a plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma resulting from several years of employment as a railway signal maintenance technician. cancer lawsuit claimed his condition was caused by exposure to benzene and diesel exhaust that he experienced while on the job. Prior to the commencement of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the notion that plaintiff knew or should have known that his cancer was related to his exposures to chemicals and environmental hazards during his railroad employment.Creosote ExposureCreosote is a toxic chemical used to preserve wood has been linked to several cancers including skin cancer and scrotal cancer. Railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repair of railway ties are regularly exposed to this chemical. The National Toxicology Program reported that workers who handled creosote had more risk than general population of developing fatal forms of cancer.In the recent court case, a railroad worker sued after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that his exposure to diesel exhaust and environmental hazards caused cancer. The court found that the plaintiff was aware of the potential damage he could sustain because of his job as a railroad worker and could have found out about his injury through an exhaustive search on the internet when the diagnosis came in. Because cancer lawsuits failed to undertake this task his action is deemed to be time-barred.In a different instance, the railroad was successful in defending a decision in a suit filed in Philadelphia County by a former railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that he had developed bladder cancer as a result of his exposure to smoke, other chemicals such as diesel exhaust and creosote.Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases that involve different types of cancers including lung and prostate cancer, brought by other former railroad workers who claimed that their cancers stemmed from years of exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is available to review your case's facts and explain your options.Asbestos ExposureRailroad employees may be exposed to asbestos while working. This is often the case when workers manage railroad ties or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases.In a case brought against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma due to the effects of his work with the railroad. According to the lawsuit, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a daily basis. In the process Harris breathed in "harmful chemical substances, toxic chemicals, agents, fumes, particles, and other substances that include but are not limited to diesel exhaust, welding fumes, creosote, carbon monoxide, phenols dioxins, and heavy metals."We successfully represented our clients at the trial of a jury that lasted two weeks. It was alleged that repetitive bending and lifting while working as trackmen caused herniated discs in the lumbar region, causing a 25% disability permanent which resulted in a loss of wage and pain and discomfort. The railroad was not found to be negligent and the plaintiff was awarded a modest award.Environmental ExposureRailroad workers are exposed a variety of environmental chemicals. The exposure can result in various health issues including multiple myeloma, depending on the type and extent of the work. If you or a loved one 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 case, a railroad worker received $7.5 million from the jury after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia. He sued two major railways and claimed that their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused his health issues.However the railroads brought a summary judgement motion, arguing that the plaintiff was aware of the crucial facts and the possible causes of his injuries at the time he was diagnosed. The court agreed and granted the railroads' motion concluding that the plaintiff was unable to make a reasonably diligent inquiry into whether his condition was related to his work at the railroad.At trial, the plaintiff presented expert testimony from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma is the result of his exposure diesel exhaust. The expert witness referenced a variety of studies to support this assertion. These studies showed the connection between diesel exhaust and certain kinds of cancer. However, union pacific railroad lawsuit has ever claimed that diesel exhaust is the cause of multiple myeloma.