New York Leukemia Law Firm

Illnesses Caused By Benzene Exposures

Benzene is a Class 1 carcinogen that causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and other bone and blood cancers. The attorneys at Hughes Law Offices are experienced leukemia lawyers serving New York residents sickened by benzene exposures.

Who is at Risk for Leukemia from Benzene?

Mechanics, gasoline tanker truck drivers, gas station attendants, and printers were commonly exposed to benzene. Brake cleaners, gasoline, inks, and penetrating oils have all contained benzene. Oil refinery workers and tradespeople who work in chemical facilities are at a higher risk of developing leukemia and multiple myeloma. Most pipefitters, millwrights, boilermakers, and machinists in refineries and chemical facilities would have been exposed to benzene. Individuals involved in transporting chemicals and petroleum products by trucks, trains, barges, and ships are also at risk for dangerous exposures. Hooking up hoses and checking tank levels are common routes of benzene exposure. Many New York workers are still being exposed to hazardous levels of benzene today.

New York Industries where Benzene was Present

New York is home to many industries whose workers were historically exposed to benzene. For instance, New York’s commercial printing and chemical manufacturing industries are among the largest in the nation. Moreover, New York is home to a very significant maritime industry where workers are routinely exposed to benzene via the maintenance of the ships and through the loading and unloading of benzene-containing freight, such as fuels and chemicals. Countless individuals working in these and other industries have spent years around benzene-containing products.

Is New York a Good Place to file a Benzene Leukemia Lawsuit?

The short answer is yes; benzene cases are frequently brought in New York courts. Why is that?  There are a variety of reasons, but one of the main reasons is related to experts. In order to prove up your case, leukemia law firms like Hughes Law Offices need to retain a team of experts. These experts are used to help connect your benzene exposures to your resulting illness. In New York, the laws regarding the admissibility of experts to testify are relatively favorable to plaintiffs. The strength of your benzene case is often based on the strength of the expert team assembled by your lawyers. It is of the utmost importance that your lawyer knows which experts to retain in every case.

We May Be Able To Help

Benzene-related claims are difficult cases. Hughes Law Offices has experience with benzene cases in New York. If you or a loved one has worked around benzene and been diagnosed with leukemia, call 1-800-BENZENE today and speak with a lawyer.

New York Benzene Leukemia Verdicts and Settlements

Benzene settlements and verdicts vary by disease, jurisdiction, handling attorneys, and defendants. Bear in mind, some cases have resulted in “not guilty” verdicts where the sickened plaintiff received nothing. For your information, Hughes Law Offices has compiled New York benzene verdicts and settlements below:

• Undisclosed Settlement – Plaintiff worked for New York Telephone as a splicer and mechanic from 1971 to 1983. During that time, he worked with and around, and was exposed to numerous products containing benzene. These products included Safety-Kleen 105 solvent, Gumout brake cleaner and carburetor cleaner, liquid wrench, gasoline, Sears penetrating oils, and Sears paints. The Plaintiff was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 2007 and then later with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). (McCormack v. Safety-Kleen Sys., Inc.)

• Undisclosed Settlement – Former railroad laborer and machinist worked for CSX Transportation from April 1999 to September of 2003. He worked primarily at the Selkirk, New York Diesel Terminal where he was regularly soaked with diesel fuel to his skin. Often, he was so drenched that his wife required him to strip off his clothing before entering their home. Following these exposures, he was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away shortly thereafter. (Dominy v. CSX Transp., Inc.)

Hughes Law Offices is providing case histories to inform visitors about actual case fact patterns and rulings in your area. Unless specifically noted, the cases summarized herein were not handled by attorneys at Hughes Law Offices