Multiple Myeloma Caused by Railroad WorkUnder FELA railroad workers are entitled to bring lawsuits to seek compensation for their injuries. To be successful, the injured worker will have to prove the railroad was negligent in causing the injury.The evidence presented in the trial included the testimony of a toxicologist, who used different studies and risk factors to prove that Harris's multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to diesel exhaust.Benzene ExposureThe exposure to benzene can be linked to 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, the chemical benzene belongs to the Group 1 Carcinogen. This chemical is found in diesel exhaust and fumes that many railroad workers are exposed to on a regular regularly.Additionally, certain railroad workers are exposed to benzene through cleaning products like Safety-Kleen as well as CRC. These cleaning agents contain a benzene type known as methylbenzene. cancer lawsuit is converted to dioxin, a chemical when it comes in contact with water. Dioxins are a group of substances that can lead to a variety of serious health issues, including lung cancer.Parker Waichman has represented railroad workers in personal injury cases against their employers, under the FELA. A jury awarded $7.5 million to a former Chicago and North Western Railroad employee diagnosed with acute myeloid cancer after years of exposure.In another case the plaintiff was diagnosed with multiple lymphoma following several years of working as a railway maintenance technician for signals. cancer lawsuits claimed that his condition was caused by exposures to benzene and diesel exhaust that he encountered on the job. BNSF filed an motion for summary judgment prior to the trial began 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.Creosote ExposureA toxic chemical that is used as a wood preserver creosote is associated with various cancers, including scrotal and skin cancer. It is a frequent issue for railroad workers working in the repair and maintenance of railway ties. The National Toxicology Program reported that those who handled creosote were at an increased risk than the general public of developing lethal forms of cancer.In a recent court case an employee of a railroad filed suit after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. cancer lawsuits claimed that occupational exposure to diesel exhaust as well as environmental hazards led to the development of cancer. The court found that the plaintiff was aware of the potential negative effects of his work at the railroad and could have discovered his injury through a reasonably thorough internet search prior to the time he was diagnosed. Since he was not able to do this the action is barred.In a separate case, the railroad was able to win a defense verdict in a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia County by a former railroad worker. The plaintiff claimed that he developed bladder cancer due to his exposure to smoke, other chemicals such as diesel exhaust and creosote.Parker Waichman has also secured defense verdicts in cases that involve different types of cancers including lung and prostate cancer, brought by former railroad employees who claimed their cancers were caused by years of exposure to toxic chemicals at work. Parker Waichman is prepared to review your case's details and explain your options.Asbestos ExposureAsbestos can be a problem for railroad employees. The exposure is most often experienced when workers manage railroad ties, or repair or install railway equipment. Asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other illnesses.In a suit filed against CSX Transportation, plaintiff Ronald K. Harris claims that he developed multiple myeloma due to the effects of his employment with the railroad. Harris as per the lawsuit worked daily for CSX Transportation in its Laredo railroad yard. In the process Harris inhaled "harmful chemical substances, toxic chemicals, fumes, agents, particles, and other substances that include but are not only 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 stretching, lifting and twisting while working as a trackman caused herniated lumbar disks and an indefinite disability of 25% that resulted in a loss of wages as well as pain and suffering. The railroad was not found to be negligent and the plaintiff received a modest award.Environmental ExposureRailroad workers are exposed a variety of environmental chemicals. This exposure can lead to various health issues including multiple myeloma based on the type and amount of the work. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma a result of work on the railroad, call Parker Waichman to discuss your options.In a recent case, an employee of a railroad was awarded $7.5 million by a jury for having been diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma and myelodysplastic Symptom (MDS). He sued two major railroads, claiming that their exposure to diesel exhaust and asbestos caused his health problems.However the railroads filed a summary judgement motion, arguing that the plaintiff was aware of crucial facts and the possible reasons for his injury at the time he was diagnosed. The court ruled in favor of the railroads' motion concluding that plaintiff failed to make a reasonably diligent inquiry into whether or not his condition was connected to his railroad employment.In the courtroom the plaintiff offered expert testimony from an industrial hygienist and epidemiologists. The expert witnesses claimed that Harris's myeloma may be the result of his exposure diesel exhaust. To prove this assertion, the expert witness referenced various studies that showed an association between certain types of cancers and diesel exhaust. However, no respected scientist has ever concluded that diesel exhaust is the main cause of multiple myeloma.