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Benzene Injury Law

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Due to Benzene Exposure

For decades, countless American workers have been unknowingly exposed to harmful levels of benzene in industrial, manufacturing, and transportation settings. Though invisible and odorless at low concentrations, benzene is a potent carcinogen with a well-established link to blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Tragically, AML often develops years after the initial exposure, leaving victims and their families facing a devastating diagnosis with little understanding of how or why it happened.

At Hughes Law Offices, we work with individuals whose lives have been upended by workplace-related toxic exposure. Understanding the science behind AML and its connection to benzene is the first step toward accountability. Below, we outline the nature of AML, the role benzene plays in its development, and what legal options may be available to those affected.

What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is also known as:

  • Acute myelogenous leukemia
  • Acute myeloblastic leukemia
  • Acute granulocytic leukemia
  • Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

AML is the most common type of acute leukemia and typically affects adults. This condition attacks myeloid cells—white blood cells in the bone marrow—rendering them unable to mature or effectively fight infection. As these unhealthy cells build up, they crowd out healthy blood cells, interfering with normal blood function and increasing the risk of infections, bleeding, and fatigue.

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    What Causes Benzene Leukemia?

    A common cause of acute myeloid leukemia is previous exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogenic substances like benzene. Benzene is a known cancer-causing agent and was historically used as a base material in numerous industrial and household products, including:

    • Solvents, detergents, and degreasers
    • Lubricants, inks, glues, and plastics
    • Rubbers, pesticides, paints, and coatings
    • Polishes, thinners, and gasoline

    Gasoline, in particular, contains dangerous levels of benzene. Workers involved in the manufacture or frequent handling of these products are at an increased risk of developing AML. Benzene can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested, making it a particularly dangerous occupational hazard.

    Who is at Risk for Acute Myeloid Leukemia from Benzene Exposure?

    Most of our clients at Hughes Law Offices suffered benzene exposures at work. Benzene can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. While jobs with benzene exposures are varied, jobs well known for high-level exposures include:

    Older man working as a painter to represent benzene exposure

    Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

    Early symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia are fairly ordinary. They can be easily mistaken for flu symptoms or symptoms of another ordinary illness. These early symptoms include:

    • Fever
    • Fatigue
    • Weight loss
    • Pale skin
    • Shortness of breath
    • Bone pain

    Severe symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia are more obvious. They include:

    • Bruising easily
    • Frequent infections
    • Unusual bleeding (especially from the nose and gums)

    If any of these symptoms are familiar to you, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible.

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    Diagnosing and Treating AML

    Diagnosis

    AML is typically diagnosed through blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy, which detects abnormal white blood cells. Additional testing may identify genetic mutations that help guide treatment decisions.

    Treatment Options

    Treatment for AML occurs in two main phases:

    Leukemia-img2
    • Remission Induction Therapy – The goal of remission induction therapy is to kill leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow.
    • Consolidation or Maintenance Therapy – Consolidation or maintenance therapy aims to destroy any remaining leukemia cells and reduce the risk of relapse.

    Common treatments include:

    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • Bone marrow or stem cell transplant
    • Targeted drug therapy
    • Biological therapy

    You can read more about diagnosis and treatment for AML here.

    Legal Rights: Benzene Cancer Lawsuits

    When a worker is diagnosed with AML due to long-term benzene exposure, product manufacturers, property owners, and employers whose negligence contributed to that exposure may be held legally liable.

    If you or someone you care about has developed AML due to benzene exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. At Hughes Law Offices, we are dedicated to helping those harmed by toxic exposure secure the settlements they deserve. We pursue claims against:

    • Product manufacturers
    • Negligent property owners
    • Employers who failed to provide a safe work environment

    Because benzene-related AML can take years to develop, legal cases often require expert analysis of historical exposure. Choosing the right benzene exposure attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.

    To learn more about relevant case facts, settlement values, and benzene verdict amounts, click here.

    Let Us Help You Seek Justice

    As you focus on healing, let our firm focus on securing justice. We’ve helped numerous clients across industries who unknowingly faced daily exposure to benzene. Call (800) 236-9363 today for a free consultation with an experienced benzene attorney.

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    Client Testimonials

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    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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