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Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers are entitled to file lawsuits against union pacific railroad to recover compensation for their injuries. To be successful, the injured person will need to prove that the railroad was negligent in causing the injury.

The evidence presented at the trial included testimony of an toxicologist who used a variety of studies and the relative risk to show that Harris's multiple myeloma was triggered by his exposure diesel exhaust.

Benzene Exposure

It is linked to several hematopoietic tumors which include 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 exposed to it.

Additionally, some railroad workers are also exposed to benzene via cleaning products like Safety-Kleen and CRC. These cleaning agents contain a particular type of benzene referred to as methylbenzene. When methylbenzene comes in contact with the water, it is converted into a chemical called dioxin. Dioxins can cause lung cancer as well as other serious health problems.

Parker Waichman has successfully represented many railroad lawsuit workers in personal injury claims against their employers under FELA. For example the jury awarded a former Chicago and North Western Railroad worker $7.5 million for his diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia after years of exposure to chemicals and solvents on the job.

In another instance the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma following many years of work as a railroad maintenance technician for signals. He claimed that his illness was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust and by benzene he had experienced during his job. BNSF filed an appeal to dismiss the summary judgment before the trial started on the premise that plaintiff knew or should've knew that his cancer was caused by exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards while working for the railroad class action lawsuit.

Creosote Exposure

A toxic chemical used to preserve wood, creosote has been linked to various cancers including scrotal and skin cancer. Railroad workers who worked on the maintenance and repair of railway ties can be exposed to this chemical. The National Toxicology Program reported that those who handled creosote were at an increased risk than the general population of developing lethal forms of cancer.

A recent court case in which a railway worker who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma claims the exposure to diesel exhaust as well as other environmental hazards caused the cancer. The court decided that the plaintiff knew of the potential harm he could suffer from his railroad job and could have found out about his injuries by conducting an exhaustive search on the internet when he was diagnosed. He failed to do so and his claim is now time-barred.

In a separate instance, the railroad was successful in defending its decision in a case filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-wasatch Railroad contractors lawsuit employee. The plaintiff claimed that he 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 the cases involving other types of cancers, including lung and prostate cancer, Wasatch Railroad Contractors Lawsuit brought by other former railroad workers who alleged their cancers were caused by years of exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is ready to analyze the facts of your case and explain your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Railroad employees can be exposed to asbestos during their employment. Workers are exposed to asbestos when they work with railroad ties, fix or install railway equipment or work on railroad tie. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma or wasatch railroad contractors lawsuit lung cancer as well as other ailments.

Ronald K. Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit brought against CSX Transportation claims that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma as a result of his work with the railroad. According to the lawsuit, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a regular basis. Harris breathed "harmful and toxic substances, fumes and chemicals including but not restricted to diesel exhaust, welding fumes and creosote.

We successfully defended our client at an two-week jury trial in which it was alleged that repetitive bending, lifting, and twisting during the course of work caused herniated lumbar disks and a 25% permanent disability that resulted in a loss of wages as well as suffering and pain. The union pacific railroad lawsuit was not found 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 cause many health issues such as multiple myeloma. This is based on the type and extent of the work. Contact Parker Waichman if you or a family member has been diagnosed with myeloma after working on a railroad.

In a recent case a railroad worker received $7.5 million from a jury following his diagnosis with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia. He sued two major railroads, alleging that their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos caused health issues for him.

The railroads filed a motion for summary judgement arguing that, at the time of the plaintiff's diagnosis, the plaintiff was aware of all the circumstances and causes of his injury. The court ruled in favor of the railroads' motion concluding that the plaintiff had failed to conduct a reasonable inquiry into whether the condition was related to his railroad employment.

At trial the plaintiff offered expert evidence from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed Harris's myeloma resulted of the exposure he received to diesel exhaust. In support of this claim the expert witness cited various studies that revealed an association between certain types of cancers and diesel exhaust. However, no reputable scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is the cause of multiple myeloma.