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Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA, railroad workers can bring lawsuits to seek compensation for their injuries. To be successful, the injured party will need to prove that the railroad was negligent in causing the injury.

The evidence in the trial included testimony from toxicologist who utilized various studies and risk factors to establish that Harris's multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure





Exposure to benzene is 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 (IARC), the chemical is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. The chemical is found in diesel exhaust and fumes which railroad workers are exposed to on a daily regularly.

Some railroad workers are also exposed by cleaning products like Safety-Kleen or CRC. These kinds of cleaning products typically contain a particular type of benzene referred to as the methylbenzene. When methylbenzene comes in contact with water, it is converted into a chemical known as dioxin. Dioxins are substances that can cause a variety of serious health issues which include lung cancer.

Parker Waichman has represented railroad employees in personal injury lawsuits against their employers, as part of the FELA. For Leukemia lawsuit was made by a jury to a former Chicago and North Western Railroad worker $7.5 million for his diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia after years of exposure to solvents and chemicals on the job.

In a different case, a plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma following several years of working as a railway signal maintenance technician. Bladder cancer lawsuit claimed that his condition was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust and benzene that he was exposed to working. Prior to the commencement of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the theory that plaintiff was aware or ought to have known that his cancer was due to the exposure to chemicals and environmental dangers while working in the railroad.

Creosote Exposure

Creosote, a toxic chemical used to preserve wood is linked to various cancers, including skin cancer and scrotal carcinoma. Railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repair of railway ties can be exposed to this substance. The National Toxicology Program reported that workers who handled creosote had more risk than general population of developing fatal forms of cancer.

A recent court case in which a railroad worker who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma alleges the exposure to diesel exhaust as well as other environmental hazards caused the cancer. The court decided that the plaintiff knew of the potential damage he could sustain from his work at the railroad, and could have discovered about his injuries by conducting an exhaustive internet search prior to when the diagnosis came in. He did not take the necessary steps and his action was deemed to be time-barred.

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

Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases involving other types of cancers, such as prostate and lung cancer, brought by other former railroad workers who alleged that their cancers stemmed from an exposure to harmful chemicals on the job. The firm is available to review your case's facts and explain your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos can be a problem for railroad employees. The exposure is most often experienced when workers handle railroad ties, or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer and other diseases.

In a case filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he developed multiple myeloma because from his work for the railroad. Harris as per the lawsuit worked daily for CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. He breathed "harmful and toxic chemicals, agents and fumes including but not limited to diesel exhaust, welding fumes and creosote.

We successfully defended our clients during the jury trial that lasted two weeks, where it was claimed that repetitive lifting and bending as trackmen resulted in herniated disks in the lumbar region, causing permanent disability of 25% resulting in lost wage as well as pain and discomfort. The railroad was not found to be negligent, and the plaintiff received a minimal award.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a number of different environmental chemicals. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma lawsuit can trigger various health issues including multiple myeloma based on the type and amount of the work. Contact Parker Waichman if you or a family member has been diagnosed with myeloma following working on railroads.

In Pancreatic cancer lawsuit 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, claiming their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused health issues.

The railroads filed a motion for summary judgment asserting that at the time of the plaintiff's diagnosis it was aware of the details and causes of the injury. The court ruled in favor of the railroads' motion, concluding that the plaintiff had failed to make a reasonably diligent inquiry into whether or not his health condition was related to his work at the railroad.

At trial, the plaintiff presented expert testimony from an industrial hygiene specialist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma arose as a result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. The expert witness cited various studies to support this assertion. These studies demonstrated the connection between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancers. However, no reputable scientist, has ever concluded diesel exhaust to be the cause of multiple myeloma.