Railroad workers are regularly exposed to benzene, a highly-toxic gas produced by diesel fumes and exhaust. Exposure is associated with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), also known as “pre-leukemia.”
Need a Texas Myelodysplastic Syndrome Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with MDS, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: Trucker’s Family Files Benzene MDS Lawsuit
The Texas-based fuel company Phillips 66 was hit with a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a trucker who died of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) after he was routinely exposed to benzene during his 30-year career.
Overview
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a type of cancer that damages bone marrow and causes problems with making new blood cells. About 33% of people with MDS develop an aggressive bone cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
MDS From Benzene Exposure
Benzene is an extremely toxic, carcinogenic chemical that is known to cause MDS and many other health problems. Benzene is absorbed into the body through the skin or the lungs. The risk increases with higher exposures, but even low-level exposure can cause MDS.
Railroad Workers and MDS
Railroad workers have higher rates of cancer because they are frequently exposed to benzene, toxic chemicals, radiation, and carcinogens. Most exposures occur by breathing diesel exhaust and using chemical solvents for degreasing engines.
What is the problem?
The problem is that many railroads did not take steps to protect workers from diesel exhaust. It was not until recent years that they began requiring high-efficiency air filters, engine retrofits, and shutting down engines after 10 minutes to limit diesel exhaust.
Symptoms of MDS
- Infections (skin, sinus, lung, urinary tract, etc.)
- Spontaneous bleeding
- Easy bruising
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
FELA Lawsuits
Railroad companies are obligated to provide a safe work environment for their employees. When they fail to meet these obligations, workers who are injured can file lawsuits under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Unlike typical workers compensation claims, there is no cap on damages in FELA lawsuits. On average, payouts are higher because railroad injuries are usually more severe than typical workers.
Need a Myelodysplastic Syndrome Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Myelodysplastic Syndrome lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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