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Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers can claim compensation for injuries. However, in order to bring a successful claim, the injured party must prove that negligence on the part of railroad workers contributed to their injury.

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

Benzene Exposure

The benzene compound is associated with a number of hematopoietic tumors, 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 benzene is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. The chemical is present in diesel fumes, and many railroad workers are exposed to it.

Additionally, certain railroad workers are also exposed to benzene from cleaning products like Safety-Kleen and CRC. These kinds of cleaning products typically contain a particular type of benzene known as the methylbenzene. The methylbenzene can be converted into dioxin, a chemical when it comes into contact with water. Dioxins belong to a group of substances that can lead to many serious health issues including lung cancer.

Parker Waichman has represented railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers, under the FELA. For example an award was made by a jury to an ex- Chicago and North Western Railroad worker $7.5 million after he was diagnosed of acute myeloid leukemia after years of exposure to solvents and chemicals while working.

In a different case the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma following many years of service as a railroad signal maintenance technician. The plaintiff claimed that his condition was caused by exposure to benzene and diesel exhaust that he experienced while on the job. BNSF filed a summary judgement motion prior to the trial began on the claim that plaintiff knew or should have knew that his cancer was the result of his exposure to environmental hazards and chemicals when working for Railroad lawsuit Colon cancer the railroad.

Creosote Exposure

A toxic chemical used to preserve wood, creosote has been associated with various cancers, including skin and scrotal cancer. This chemical is often a problem for railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repairs of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program reported that those who handled creosote were at a higher risk than the general population of developing fatal forms of cancer.

A recent court case in which a railroad employee filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma claims his exposure to diesel exhaust and other environmental toxins caused the cancer. The court decided that the plaintiff was aware of the damage he could incur because of his job as a railroad worker and railroad lawsuit colon cancer could have found out about his injury through an exhaustive internet search prior to when the diagnosis came in. He did not undertake the search and his claim was deemed to be time-barred.

In a separate case the railroad lawsuit reactive airway disease was successful in defending its verdict in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed he developed bladder cancer as a result of his exposure to secondhand smoke and other chemicals, such as creosote and diesel exhaust.

Parker Waichman has also obtained defense verdicts in cases involving different types of cancers, like prostate and lung cancer. These cases were brought by former railroad lawsuit esophageal cancer workers who claimed their cancers had been caused by a lifetime exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is available to review the facts of your case and explain your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos may pose a health risk for railroad workers. Workers are exposed to asbestos when they handle railroad ties, repair or install railway gear, or work on railroad tracks. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers.

In a case brought against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he developed multiple myeloma because of his employment with the Railroad Lawsuit Colon Cancer. According to the lawsuit, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a daily basis. In the process Harris inhaled "harmful chemicals, toxic fumes, agents, particles, and substances including but not including diesel exhaust, welding fumes, creosote, carbon monoxide and phenols. dioxins, and heavy metals."

We successfully represented our client in the two-week trial of a jury in which it was claimed that repetitive stretching, lifting and twisting while working as a trackman caused herniated lumbar disks and an indefinite disability of 25% which resulted in loss of wages and suffering and pain. The railroad was found not to be negligent, and the plaintiff received a modest award.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed a range of chemicals in the environment. This exposure can trigger numerous health problems including multiple myeloma, based on the type and extent of the work. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma because of work done on the railroad lawsuit acute myeloid leukemia, get in touch with Parker Waichman to discuss your options.

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 filed a lawsuit against two major railroads, claiming that their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos caused his health issues.

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

The plaintiff offered expert testimony during the trial of an industrial hygienist as well as 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 back this claim. These studies revealed a correlation between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancers. However, no credible scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is the main cause of multiple myeloma.