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Benzene Injury Law

Benzene in Fuel Explained by Benzene Exposure Lawyers

Many tradespeople are at increased risk of leukemia because of their proximity to gasoline and other fuels. If you worked around fuels and you’ve been diagnosed with leukemia, call 1-800-BENZENE today.

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    Who is at Risk for Leukemia from Fuel Exposures?

    While many tradespeople fuel their equipment, these workers are at elevated risk for leukemia due to long-term gasoline/fuel exposures:

    Which Cancers are Caused by Fuel Exposures?

    The blood and bone marrow cancers most strongly associated with long-term exposures to toxic fuels include:

    Click here to learn more about benzene exposure illnesses.

    Why do Fuel Exposures Cause Leukemia?

    Chronic fuel exposures can lead to the development of cancer because many common fuels contain benzene. Benzene is a naturally occurring component of crude oil. It is a Group 1 carcinogen that targets the blood and bone marrow systems. Examples of other Group 1 carcinogens include asbestos, plutonium, and tobacco.

    Which Fuel Contains the Most Benzene?

    Of the fuels that Americans regularly encounter, unleaded gasoline has the most benzene.

    Exposure to benzene in gasoline is very common for working Americans. However, some American workers may encounter specialized fuels, fuel derivatives, or feedstocks that contain more benzene than what is present in gasoline. Some of our refinery and maritime workers have described exposures to pure benzene.

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    How Can Benzene Exposures Occur?

    Dangerous levels of benzene can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin. Inhaling fuel vapors is one of the most common benzene exposure routes. We have represented mechanics who used to clean parts with gasoline. Those workers suffered dangerous dermal exposures, where the benzene enters the bloodstream after being absorbed through the skin.

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    In addition to those routes, fuel-related benzene exposure can occur in a variety of work environments:

    • Gasoline vapor inhalation at fueling stations, especially for attendants and workers near running engines or refueling zones.
    • Fuel spills during transport, transfer, or machinery refueling, leading to prolonged skin contact.
    • Cleaning tools or parts with gasoline, a common practice among mechanics and technicians prior to modern degreasers.
    • Exposure inside enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, like ship cargo holds, fuel storage tanks, or maintenance bays.
    • Loading and offloading fuel from tanker trucks or railcars, which may release high volumes of benzene vapor.
    • Work around broken or unsealed fuel systems, which can allow vapor to accumulate in confined workspaces.

    These exposure routes are often overlooked by employers and safety managers, leading to long-term health consequences.

    How do Benzene Cases Work?

    In most cases, we will target the manufacturers of the benzene-containing fuels and the property owners where exposures occurred. In railroad and maritime cases, we will sue the employers whose negligence failed to protect you from these toxic exposures.

    Learn more about how benzene cases work by browsing our FAQ page.

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    Have you Received a Diagnosis After Chronic Fuel Exposures?

    If you or a loved one endured long-term fuel exposures and has been diagnosed with a related disease, the attorneys at Hughes Law Offices may be able to help. These are complicated cases that require experienced attorneys.

    At Hughes Law Offices, our benzene cancer lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. While you and your loved ones focus on recovery, let us do the work needed to prove your case. Call us today or reach out online for a free attorney consultation.

    Fuel Exposure Verdicts & Settlements

    Settlement (Pennsylvania, 2019)

    $575K

    The Decedent worked as a laborer, electrician, and maintenance supervisor at the Defendant’s Pennsylvania refinery from 1973 until 2001. The Decedent subsequently developed atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia that rapidly progressed into acute myeloid leukemia. The Decedent passed away and his...

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    Verdict (Minnesota, 2016)

    $15.5M

    A 49-year-old locomotive engineer was working for BNSF Railway at the Northtown Yard in Fridley, Minnesota when tank cars containing casinghead gasoline vented poisonous fumes where he was working. The railroad covered up the fact that he had been exposed...

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    Verdict (California, 2015)

    $2.3M

    The Plaintiff worked as a maritime worker aboard the Defendant’s ships from 1988 to 1996. During that time he was regularly exposed to crude oil and other carcinogens. The Plaintiff subsequently developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. At the time of trial, the...

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    Verdict (Louisiana, 2012)

    $17.5M

    The Plaintiff spent four years working as a petroleum inspector on ships and barges that were owned by Chevron, Texaco, and Unocoal during the 1980s. While performing his normal duties, he was regularly exposed to benzene. Many years later, the...

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    Verdict (Nevada, 2011)

    $7.5M

    The Plaintiff, a tanker truck driver, endured chronic exposures to benzene during a six-year period loading and delivering gasoline from the Defendant’s fuel terminal in Las Vegas. As a result of his exposure to benzene, the Plaintiff developed myelodysplastic syndrome...

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    Settlement (Louisiana, 2010)

    Confidential Settlement

    The Plaintiff worked as a gas station attendant for Defendant from 1965 through 1978. His work required him to pump gas and perform various mechanic tasks on automobiles while using the Defendant’s oil products. Years later, the Plaintiff was diagnosed...

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    Settlement (Illinois, 2006)

    Confidential Settlement

    The Plaintiff, a veteran, served as a jet mechanic for the U.S. Marine Corps from 1973 to 1989. During his time in the Corps, he worked at various bases around the country. He later developed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The Plaintiff...

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    Verdict (California, 2002)

    $5.1M

    The Plaintiff, age 51, worked as a merchant seaman on the Defendant’s vessels, hauling crude oil from Alaska to Southern California. He was exposed to benzene while assisting with the loading and unloading of crude oil and while cleaning the...

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    Settlement (Massachusetts, 2000)

    $1.5M

    The Decedent had worked as a pump man aboard various tankers in the 1970s and 1980s where he was exposed to benzene. In 1994, about 15 years after his last exposure to benzene, the Decedent was diagnosed with acute myeloid...

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

    Resources

    [1] https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications
    [2] https://publications.iarc.fr/576
    [3] https://www.epa.gov/gasoline-standards
    [4] API Toxicological Review Benzene September 1948 (“Insomuch as the body develops no tolerance to benzene, and as there is a wide variation in individual susceptibility, it is generally considered that the only absolutely safe concentration for benzene is zero”).

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    Client Testimonials

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    53 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago IL 60604 US
    (312) 877-5588
    5/5 based on 4 reviews

    Wrongful Death Case

    My family hired attorney Hughes for the wrongful death of my brother. Mr. Hughes worked very hard on our case, the results were excellent. I would recommend him to anyone needing an attorney, he is a very fair and kind person.

    Unique Expertise

    Andrew took over my asthma claim with the railroad after a different law firm failed to meet expectations. Andrew’s unique expertise in the field of diesel related injury gave him the ability to build my case exceptionally well. When Andrew presented...

    Professional and Trustworthy

    From my very first contact with Andrew we have found him to be compassionate, hard working and trust worthy. In the eight months we were associated with Andrew we feel he has also become a friend of ours...

    Worked Diligently

    For the past two years Andrew Hughes has worked diligently in helping me with my case against the Norfolk Southern R.R. During this time he has kept me thoroughly informed about my case his expertise led to me getting a generous settlement...

    Above and Beyond

    The attorneys at Hughes Law Offices go above and beyond and they care about the client. Tom Guillen was always responsive and professional. He was there from the first phone call until they settled my case. I am happy with the result and would recommend them to anyone who was exposed to benzene and later developed leukemia.

    Detailed Approach

    I was impressed by their detailed approach and their ability to do the necessary research to handle my case. Tom Guillen and the lawyers at Hughes Law Offices always answered our questions and helped us understand the process. I was also happy with the way Tom was right there by my side when I had to go in for a deposition. He made sure that my words did not get twisted by the defense lawyers. My wife and I are happy with what they did for us.

    Trustworthy

    Tom Guillen was there whenever I needed him. The lawyers at his firm are trustworthy and I would recommend them to others. It was clear to me that they had the necessary experience. I am happy with the results of my benzene lawsuit.

    Always Respectful

    Tom Guillen helped me through the litigation process. He was there to answer any question I had and was always respectful of my concerns. I will always appreciate how determined he was to help my family.

    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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