Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work Under FELA railroad workers may sue to recover compensation for injuries. To be successful in bringing a claim the injured party must prove that negligence on the part of railroad workers played a role in causing their injury. The evidence presented in the trial included the testimony of toxicologist who conducted various studies and risk factors to prove that Harris's multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust. Benzene Exposure It is linked to many hematopoietic tumours which include Acute Myeloid Leukemia(AML), Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia(ANLL) and Multiple Myeloma. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the chemical benzene is classified as a Group 1 Carcinogen. This chemical is found in diesel fumes and exhaust, which many railroad workers are exposed to on a regular regularly. Additionally, certain railroad workers are also exposed to benzene via cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen and CRC. These kinds of cleaning products typically contain a kind of benzene referred to as the methylbenzene. The methylbenzene converts to dioxin, a chemical when it comes in contact with water. Dioxins can cause lung cancer and other serious health issues. Parker Waichman has represented railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers, as part of the FELA. A jury gave $7.5 million to an ex- Chicago and North Western Railroad employee diagnosed with acute myeloid carcinoma after years of exposure. Another case involved a plaintiff diagnosed with multiple myeloma following working as a railroad signal maintenance engineer for a period of time. The plaintiff claimed that his illness was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust and benzene that he was exposed to on the job. Before the beginning of trial, BNSF filed a motion for summary judgment based on the notion that plaintiff knew or could have realized that his cancer was due to his exposure to chemicals as well as environmental dangers while working in the railroad. Creosote Exposure A poisonous chemical that is used as a wood preservative, creosote has been associated with various cancers, including scrotal and skin cancer. Railroad workers working on the maintenance and repair of railway ties are regularly exposed to this chemical. The National Toxicology Program has reported that workers who work with creosote have a higher risk of developing cancer lethal than the general population. In a recent court case a railroad worker sued after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that his occupational exposure to diesel exhaust as well as environmental hazards caused cancer. The judge decided that the plaintiff was aware of the possibility of harm from his railroad work and could have found out about his injury through a reasonably diligent internet search at the time he was diagnosed. Since he was not able to make this effort the action is barred. In a different case, the railroad was successful in defending a verdict in a case filed in Philadelphia County by a former railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that he developed bladder carcinoma as a result his occupational exposure to smoke and other chemical substances such as diesel exhaust, and creosote. Parker Waichman has also obtained defense verdicts for cases involving different types of cancers, like prostate and lung cancer. These cases were filed by former railroad workers who claimed that their cancers were caused by exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is available to review your case facts and explain your options. Asbestos Exposure Railroad employees could be exposed to asbestos during their employment. The exposure is most often experienced when workers handle railroad ties, or repair or install railway equipment. union pacific railroad lawsuit can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other diseases. Ronald K. Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against CSX Transportation claims that he contracted multiple myeloma through his work with the railroad. According to the lawsuit, Harris worked for CSX Transportation at its Laredo rail yard on a daily basis. Harris breathed harmful and toxic fumes, chemicals, and agents including but not limited to diesel exhaust, welding fumes and creosote. We successfully represented our clients in the trial of a jury that lasted two weeks, where it was alleged repetitive lifting and bending as trackmen led to herniated disks in the lumbar region and a 25% disability permanent that resulted in loss of wages and discomfort and pain. The railroad was not found to be negligent, and the plaintiff was awarded a modest award. Environmental Exposure Railroad workers are exposed a number of different environmental chemicals. This exposure can lead to a variety of health problems such as multiple myeloma. This is based on the type and extent of the work. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma as a result of work on the railroad, you should contact Parker Waichman to discuss your options. In a recent case a railroad worker received $7.5 million from the jury after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia. 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 subsequently filed a summary judgement motion, arguing that the plaintiff was aware of essential facts and potential causes of his injury at the time of his diagnosis. The court sided with the railroads and granted their motion, concluding that the plaintiff had not made a reasonable inquiry to determine if his condition was connected to his railroad employment. The plaintiff offered expert testimony in the trial of an industrial hygiene specialist as well as epidemiologists. The expert witnesses said that Harris's myeloma is a result of his exposure to diesel exhaust. The expert witness cited various studies to support this assertion. These studies revealed that there was a link between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancer. However, no respected scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is the cause of multiple myeloma.
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