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Benzene Injury Law

Chemical Workers

Chemical Workers & Benzene

Workers at chemical facilities are at a higher risk of developing blood and bone marrow cancers such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These illnesses result from exposures to benzene during the production of petroleum products and distillates. Some of these benzene-containing products include mineral spirits, xylene, toluene and naptha. These products have a variety of uses, including as a cleaning solvent. Benzene is also used in the production of lubricants, dyes, pesticides and detergents.

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    Certain processes at petrochemical companies incorporated pure benzene. Workers drawing samples from vessels, gauging storage tanks or testing the product could get pure benzene on their skin and clothes. Other workers on the maintenance crew were exposed to benzene through the use of solvents, degreasers, and other cleaning agents.  Unfortunately, benzene can be absorbed through the skin. Benzene vapors leaking from tanks can be inhaled. All of these exposures have been linked to leukemia and other cancers.

    Leather gloves, safety goggles, and steel toe boots are no protection from the cancer-causing effects of benzene. Petrochemical companies were aware of the connection between benzene and certain cancers – especially leukemia – since the 1950s. Despite that knowledge, they failed to safeguard their employees and on-site contractors.

    The chemical facility owners can be held liable for their lack of training and failure to supply protective equipment to the chemicals workers who develop leukemia, and the product manufacturers are liable for failing to warn the end users of their products. These defendants will fight hard and refute your claims.

    These cases are complicated undertakings. They often involve multiple legal theories and require many experts. Having experienced counsel is vital. While you focus on your recovery, let us do the work needed to prove your case. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with AML or MDS after a career in the chemical industry, call 1-800-BENZENE to speak directly with a benzene lawyer today.

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    Verdicts and Settlements

    Survey of Benzene

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

    Verdict

    $3.2M

    Helper/rigger/leadman on barges diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia via benzene exposure. Plaintiff exposed to benzene via solvents used to clean tools. Employer provided the solvents. Older versions of Liquid Wrench contained high mixtures of benzene.

    Verdict

    $7.5M

    Gasoline tanker truck driver diagnosed with blood cancer following years of benzene exposure at defendant’s premises. Benzene was component of the fuel that he was loading and hauling.

    Verdict

    $5.8M

    Plaintiff had a 39-year career with Sabine Towing. Throughout his career, plaintiff held various positions, including seaman, quartermaster, boatswain, third mate, second mate, chief mate and master..

    Verdict

    $8.0M

    Able-bodied seaman diagnosed with kidney cancer as a result of exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons while loading and discharging crude oil and other products, cleaning tanks and measuring tank levels.

    Verdict

    $3.5M

    In his 30s at the time, decedent was a contracted tanker truck driver who regularly transported toxic products. As a result, he was regularly exposed to chemicals containing benzene.

    Settlement

    $1.5M

    Plaintiff’s decedent had worked as a pump man aboard various tankers in the early 1970s and early 1980s where he was exposed to benzene. In 1994, about 15 years since his last exposure to benzene, the decedent was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

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