Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad Work

Under FELA railroad workers are entitled to sue to recover compensation for their injuries. To be successful, lawsuit the injured person must prove that the blacklands railroad lawsuit was negligent in causing the injury.

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

Benzene Exposure

There is a link between benzene and a number of 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, the chemical benzene belongs to the Group 1 Carcinogen. This chemical is present in diesel fumes and exhaust, which many railroad workers are exposed to on a regular routine.

Some railroad workers are also exposed to cleaning products like Safety-Kleen or CRC. These cleaning products contain a benzene type known as methylbenzene. When methylbenzene comes into contact with the water, it transforms into a chemical called dioxin. Dioxins can cause lung cancer and other serious health problems.

Parker Waichman has successfully represented many railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers under FELA. A jury gave $7.5 million to a former Chicago and North Western Railroad employee who was diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors after years of exposure.

In a different case, a plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma after many years of work as a railroad lawsuit signal maintenance technician. He alleged his condition was caused by exposure to diesel exhaust and benzene that he experienced while working. BNSF filed an motion for summary judgment prior to the trial began, based on the theory plaintiff knew or should have known that his cancer was a result of exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards while working for the railroad.

Creosote Exposure

A poisonous chemical that is used to preserve wood, creosote has been associated with various cancers, including scrotal and skin cancer. Creosote is a common problem for railroad workers who work on the maintenance and repairs of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program has reported that workers who handle creosote are at a greater risk of developing cancer lethal than the general population.

A recent court case in which a railroad employee who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma claims his occupational exposures to diesel exhaust and other environmental dangers caused the cancer. The court ruled that the plaintiff was aware of the potential damage he could sustain from his work at the railroad, and could have found out about his condition by conducting an extensive internet search before he was diagnosed. He was not able to do so and his claim is now barred.

In a different case the railroad won a defense decision in a suit filed in Philadelphia County by a former railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that the cause of his illness was bladder cancer as a result of the exposure he received to smoke, other chemicals like diesel exhaust and creosote.

Parker Waichman has also obtained defense verdicts in cases that involve other types of cancers, like prostate and lung cancer. These cases were brought by former railroad employees who claimed that their cancers had been due to a lifetime exposure to toxic chemicals at work. The firm is ready to review your case facts and present your options.

Asbestos Exposure

Railroad employees may be exposed to asbestos during their employment. Workers are exposed to asbestos when they operate railroad ties, fix or install railway equipment or work on railroad tracks. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer as well as other ailments.

Ronald K. Harris, the plaintiff in a lawsuit brought lawsuits against union pacific railroad CSX Transportation claims that he contracted multiple myeloma because of his work with the railroad. Harris as per the lawsuit, worked on a daily basis for CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. As a result the worker breathed "harmful, toxic chemicals, agents, fumes, particles, and other substances which include but not restricted to diesel exhaust creosote, welding fumes, carbon monoxide, phenols dioxins and heavy metals."

We successfully represented our client in a two-week jury trial in which it was alleged that the repetitive bending, lifting, and twisting during the course of work caused herniated lumbar disks and a 25% permanent disability resulting in lost wages and pain and lawsuit suffering. The railroad was found not to be negligent and the plaintiff received a modest award.

Environmental Exposure

Railroad workers are exposed various environmental chemicals. Depending on the type of work that is performed the exposure could cause a variety of health issues including multiple myeloma. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma as because of work done on the railroad, contact Parker Waichman to discuss your options.

In a recent instance, railroad workers received $7.5 million from a jury following his diagnosis with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia. He filed a class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad against two major railroads in the claim that their exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused his health issues.

The railroads filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that, at the time of the plaintiff's diagnosis the plaintiff was aware of the factors and causes of his injury. The court agreed and granted the railroads' motion concluding that plaintiff failed to conduct a reasonable inquiry into whether the illness was due to his railroad employment.

The plaintiff offered evidence from an industrial hygiene specialist as well as epidemiologists. Expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma resulted of his exposure to diesel exhaust. In support of this assertion the expert witness cited numerous studies that demonstrated the connection between certain types of cancers and diesel exhaust. However, no respected scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is a cause of multiple myeloma.