Why Do So Many People Are Attracted To Railroad Lawsuit Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers may sue to obtain compensation for injuries. To be successful in bringing a claim the injured person must prove that the railroad's negligence played a role in causing their injuries.

The evidence in the trial included testimony from an toxicologist, who relied on various studies and relative risk factors to prove that Harris's multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure

The exposure to benzene can be linked to a variety of hematopoietic cancers which 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 can be found in diesel fumes and many railroad workers are regularly exposed to it.

Furthermore, some railroad employees are also exposed to benzene by using cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen or CRC. These cleaning agents contain a benzene type known as methylbenzene. The methylbenzene is converted to dioxin, a chemical when it comes in contact with water. Dioxins can cause lung cancer and other serious health problems.

Parker Waichman has represented railroad employees in personal injury lawsuits against their employers, as part of the FELA. For instance, a jury awarded an ex- Chicago and North Western Railroad worker $7.5 million for his diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia following years of exposure to chemicals and solvents while working.

Another instance involved one plaintiff who was diagnosed with myeloma after working as an engineer of railroad signal maintenance for a number of years. The plaintiff claimed that his condition was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust, as well as benzene exposure he experienced during his work. Prior to the beginning of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the notion that plaintiff was aware or should have known that his cancer was due to his exposure to chemicals as well as environmental hazards during his railroad employment.

asbestos lung cancer lawsuit used to preserve wood creosote has been linked to several cancers, including scrotal and skin cancer. Railroad workers who were involved in the maintenance and repair of railway ties can be exposed to this chemical. Colon cancer lawsuit has reported that those who handle creosote have a greater chance of developing cancer that is fatal than the general population.

A recent court case in which a railroad employee sued after he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma claims the exposure to diesel exhaust and other environmental hazards caused the cancer. The judge decided that the plaintiff was aware of the possibility of damage he could suffer from his work on railroads and might have discovered his injuries through a reasonably thorough internet search at the time he was diagnosed. He was not able to make the effort and his action has been deemed time-barred.

In a separate case, the railroad won its defense decision in a case filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that he developed bladder cancer as a result of his occupational exposure to secondhand smoke and other chemical substances, like creosote, diesel exhaust.

Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases involving other types of cancers including lung and prostate cancer, brought by former railroad employees who claimed their cancers were a result of the constant exposure to toxic chemicals on the job. The firm is ready to examine the facts of your case and discuss your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a concern for railroad workers. Workers are exposed to asbestos when they work with railroad ties, fix or install railway gear or work on railroad tie. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases.

In a case filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma as a result of his work with 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 toxic chemicals, fumes, agents, particles, and substances, including but not only diesel exhaust creosote, welding fumes, carbon monoxide, phenols dioxins and heavy metals."

We successfully defended our client at the course of a two-week jury trial which it was alleged that repetitive bent, lifting and twisting while working as a trackman caused herniated discs in the lumbar region and an indefinite disability of 25% resulting in lost wages and suffering and pain. The railroad was not found to be negligent and the plaintiff was awarded only a small amount.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a number of different environmental chemicals. Based on the type of work done, this exposure can lead to numerous health problems such as multiple myeloma. If railroad cancer lawsuit or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma as the result of work on the railroad, you should contact Parker Waichman to discuss your options.





In a recent trial a railroad employee was awarded $7.5 million by a jury for having been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic Disorder (MDS). He filed a lawsuit against two major railroads and claimed that their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused his health issues.

However the railroads brought an appeal based on summary judgment, which argued that the plaintiff was aware of the crucial facts and the possible causes of his injury by the time he was diagnosed. The court ruled in favor of the railroads' motion concluding that the plaintiff had failed to conduct a reasonable inquiry into whether the health condition was related to his railroad employment.

In the courtroom the plaintiff presented expert testimony from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses said that Harris's myeloma is the result of his exposure diesel exhaust. The expert witness referenced a variety of studies to prove this. These studies revealed that there was a link between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancer. However, no reputable scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is the main cause of multiple myeloma.