Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad WorkUnder FELA railroad workers are able to file lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. However, to be successful in bringing a claim the injured worker must show that negligence on the part of railroad workers contributed to their injuries.The evidence presented during the trial included testimony from a toxicologist, who used various studies and relative risk factors to prove that Harris's myeloma had been caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.Benzene ExposureThe benzene compound is associated with several hematopoietic tumors, including Acute Myeloid Leukemia(AML), Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia(ANLL) and Multiple Myeloma. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, benzene is a Group 1 Carcinogen. This chemical is found in diesel fumes and railroad workers are regularly exposed to it.Furthermore, some railroad employees are also exposed to benzene from cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen or CRC. These cleaning products typically contain a form of benzene known as the methylbenzene. The methylbenzene can be converted into a chemical known as dioxin when it comes in contact with water. Dioxins can cause lung cancer and other serious health issues.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 for the diagnosis of acute myeloidleukemia after years of exposure to chemicals and solvents on the job.In another instance the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma resulting from several years of employment as a railway maintenance technician for signals. The plaintiff claimed that his condition was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust and by the benzene that he was exposed to during his work. Prior to the start of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the idea that plaintiff was aware or ought to have known that his cancer was caused by the exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards while working for the railroad.Creosote ExposureCreosote is a toxic chemical used to preserve wood, has been linked with various cancers, including skin cancer and scrotal cancer. It is a frequent problem for railroad workers working in the repair and maintenance of railway ties. 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 an upcoming court case, railroad workers sued after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that his exposure to diesel exhaust and other environmental dangers led to cancer. Kidney cancer lawsuit ruled the plaintiff was aware of the potential damage he could sustain from his railroad job and could have learned about his injury through an exhaustive search on the internet when the diagnosis came in. He was not able to make the effort and his claim has been deemed time-barred.In a separate case the railroad was successful in defending its verdict in a suit brought in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that the cause of his illness was bladder carcinoma as a result his exposure to smoke and other chemical substances like diesel exhaust and creosote.Parker Waichman has also obtained defense verdicts in cases involving different types of cancers, such as lung and prostate cancer. These cases were brought by former railroad workers, who claimed their cancers had been resulted from a lifetime exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is ready to review the details of your case, and then explain your options.Asbestos ExposureRailroad employees can be exposed to asbestos while working. Workers are exposed to asbestos while they work on railroad ties, fix or install railway equipment or work on railroad tracks. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, as well as other ailments.In a suit filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma due to the effects of his work for 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, toxic chemicals, agents, fumes, particles, and other substances, including but not only diesel exhaust, welding fumes, creosote, carbon monoxide, phenols dioxins and heavy metals."We successfully defended our clients in a jury trial lasting two weeks, in which it was claimed that repetitive lifting and bending while working as trackmen caused herniated discs in the lumbar region. This resulted in a 25% disability permanent resulting in lost wage as well as discomfort and pain. Multiple myeloma lawsuit was not found to be negligent, and the plaintiff was awarded a modest award.Environmental ExposureRailroad workers are exposed various environmental chemicals. This exposure can trigger a variety of health problems such as multiple myeloma. This is based on the nature and severity of the work. Contact Parker Waichman if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with myeloma due to working on a railroad.In a recent case, a railroad employee was awarded $7.5 million by a jury for having been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He sued two major railroads, alleging that their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos led to his health issues.The railroads filed a motion for summary judgement arguing that at the time of the plaintiff's diagnosis, he was aware of all the facts and causes of his injury. The court agreed with the railroads and granted their motion concluding the plaintiff had not conducted a reasonable investigation to determine if his condition was related to his railroad employment.In the courtroom, the plaintiff presented expert evidence from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. Multiple myeloma lawsuit claimed that Harris's myeloma was the result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. To support this assertion, the expert witness referenced various studies that showed the connection between certain types of cancers and diesel exhaust. But, no reputable scientist has ever claimed that diesel exhaust is the reason of multiple myeloma.