Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad WorkUnder FELA, railroad workers can make lawsuits to claim compensation for their injuries. In order to succeed in bringing a claim, the injured worker must show that negligence on the part of the railroad was the cause of their injuries.The evidence presented during the trial included testimony of toxicologist who utilized different studies and their relative risks to establish that Harris's multi myeloma was triggered by the exposure to diesel exhaust.Benzene ExposureExposure to benzene has been linked with 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), benzene is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. This chemical is found in diesel fumes, and many railroad workers are exposed to it.Furthermore, some railroad employees are also exposed to benzene by using cleaning products such as Safety-Kleen and CRC. These kinds of cleaning products typically contain a particular type of benzene, namely the methylbenzene. When methylbenzene gets into contact with water, it's converted into a chemical called dioxin. Dioxins can cause lung cancer and other serious health problems.Parker Waichman has represented railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers, under the FELA. A jury awarded $7.5 million to an ex- Chicago and North Western Railroad employee who was diagnosed with acute myeloid tumors after years of exposure.Another case involved a plaintiff who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma while working as a railroad signal maintenance engineer for a number of years. The plaintiff claimed that his illness was the result of exposures to diesel exhaust and benzene that he experienced while on the job. BNSF filed a summary judgment motion before the trial began on the theory plaintiff knew or should've been aware that his cancer was caused by his exposure to chemicals and environmental hazards while working for the railroad.Creosote ExposureCreosote is a toxic chemical used to preserve wood is linked to various cancers, including skin cancer and scrotal cancer.  lung cancer lawsuit  working on the maintenance and repair of railway ties are often exposed to this substance. The National Toxicology Program reported that those who handled creosote were at an increased risk than the general population of developing fatal forms of cancer.In a recent court case an employee of a railroad filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He claimed that occupational exposure to diesel exhaust and environmental dangers led to cancer. The judge decided that the plaintiff was aware of the potential dangers posed by his work in the railroad and could have discovered his injury through a reasonably thorough internet search prior to the time when he was diagnosed. Because he failed to do this the action is barred.In a separate case the railroad won its defense verdict in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia County by an ex-railroad employee. The plaintiff claimed that he had developed bladder carcinoma as a result his exposure to smoke and other chemicals like diesel exhaust and creosote.Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in the cases involving different types of cancers including lung and prostate cancer, brought by other former railroad workers who alleged their cancers were related to an exposure to toxic chemicals on the job. The firm is ready to review the facts of your case and explain your options.Asbestos ExposureAsbestos may pose a health risk for railroad employees. Workers are exposed to asbestos while they work on railroad ties, fix or install railway equipment, or work on railroad tie. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other illnesses.In a case brought against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he contracted multiple myeloma because from his work for 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 chemicals, agents and fumes including but not limited diesel exhaust, welding fumes and creosote.We successfully defended our clients during an in-depth jury trial that lasted for two weeks. It was claimed that the repetitive bending and lifting while working as trackmen resulted in herniated disks in the lumbar area and an impairment of 25% leading to loss of earnings and pain and discomfort. The railroad was found not be negligent and the plaintiff received only a minimal award.Environmental ExposureRailroad workers are exposed to a number of different environmental chemicals. Depending on the type of work performed this exposure can cause health issues of a variety such as multiple myeloma. Contact Parker Waichman if you or a family member has been diagnosed with myeloma due to working on railroads.In a recent case, a railroad employee was awarded $7.5 million by a jury for being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He filed a lawsuit against two major railroads, alleging that exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust caused health issues for him.The railroads filed a motion for summary judgment in which they claimed that at the time of the plaintiff's diagnosis it was aware of the facts and causes of his injury. The court ruled in favor of the railroads' motion concluding that the plaintiff failed to conduct a reasonable inquiry into whether his condition was connected to his railroad work.In the courtroom the plaintiff provided expert evidence from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma is a result of his exposure diesel exhaust.  railroad lawsuit  provided numerous studies to back this claim. These studies demonstrated a correlation between diesel exhaust and certain types of cancer. However, no credible scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is a cause of multiple myeloma.