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Benzene Injury Law

Benzene Exposure & Occupational Cancer

For decades, workers in automotive repair, printing, maritime trades, railroads, oil refineries, chemical plants, and other industries were exposed to benzene through fuels, solvents, degreasers, cleaners, inks, paints, and other industrial products. Benzene is a known human carcinogen and bone marrow toxin. Occupational exposure has been linked to leukemia and other serious blood and bone marrow disorders that may develop years or even decades after exposure.

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    Does Benzene Cause Cancer?

    Yes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as a Group 1 human carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence that benzene causes cancer in humans.

    Benzene can also damage bone marrow, where the body produces blood cells. Occupational benzene exposure has been studied in connection with several blood cancers and bone marrow disorders, including:

    Blood Cancers

    Bone Marrow Disorders

    Many benzene-related diseases have long latency periods, which can make it difficult for workers to connect a current diagnosis with workplace exposures that occurred many years earlier.

     

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    Who We Represent

    Workers in many occupations encountered benzene through fuels, solvents, degreasers, cleaners, inks, paints, and other industrial products.

    Occupations with potential benzene exposure include:

    If your occupation is not listed, you may still have a benzene exposure claim. The work performed, products used, frequency and duration of exposure, working conditions, and medical diagnosis are all important when evaluating occupational benzene exposure.

    How Are Workers Exposed to Benzene?

    Many workers did not know they were encountering benzene because it could be present in products routinely used on the job.

    Occupational exposure may occur while:

    • Cleaning engines, machinery, tools, and parts
    • Using solvents, degreasers, and industrial cleaners
    • Working with gasoline, fuels, paints, inks, and other petroleum-based products
    • Fueling, loading, transporting, or transferring petroleum products
    • Working in garages, refineries, print shops, chemical plants, rail yards, and marine facilities
    • Performing maintenance in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas

    The amount and frequency of exposure can vary considerably depending on the job, products involved, ventilation, work practices, and how long the work was performed.

    dirty hands

    How Are Workers Exposed to Benzene?

    Many workers did not know they were encountering benzene because it could be present in products routinely used on the job.

    Occupational exposure may occur while:

    • Cleaning engines, machinery, tools, and parts
    • Using solvents, degreasers, and industrial cleaners
    • Working with gasoline, fuels, paints, inks, and other petroleum-based products
    • Fueling, loading, transporting, or transferring petroleum products
    • Working in garages, refineries, print shops, chemical plants, rail yards, and marine facilities
    • Performing maintenance in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas

    The amount and frequency of exposure can vary considerably depending on the job, products involved, ventilation, work practices, and how long the work was performed.

    What Products May Contain Benzene?

    Workers may have encountered benzene through products and materials used as part of their everyday jobs.

    Potential sources of occupational benzene exposure include:

    The presence and amount of benzene in a particular product can depend on its formulation and when it was manufactured.

    Learn More About Benzene-Containing Products

    Who May Have a Benzene Exposure Claim?

    You may have a potential claim if:

    • You regularly worked with or around products that contained or may have contained benzene
    • You developed a blood cancer or bone marrow disorder associated with benzene exposure
    • Your workplace exposure occurred years or decades before your diagnosis
    • You are a surviving family member of someone who died from a potentially benzene-related disease

    Every case is different. Occupational history, exposure history, diagnosis, available evidence, potential defendants, filing deadlines, and applicable law all matter when evaluating a potential claim.

    Find Out If You Have a Benzene Exposure Case

    Cargo train platform at sunset with container

    How Do Lawyers Investigate Benzene Exposure?

    Because benzene-related diseases may develop long after exposure, investigating these cases often requires reconstructing a worker’s occupational history.

    Evidence may include:

    • Employment records and job duties
    • Product identification
    • Safety Data Sheets and historical Material Safety Data Sheets
    • Company safety and industrial hygiene records
    • Co-worker testimony
    • Medical records
    • Scientific literature
    • Industrial hygiene, toxicology, and medical expert testimony

    Even when workers cannot remember every product they used, employment records, historical documents, co-worker testimony, product information, and expert analysis may help reconstruct an occupational exposure history.

    How Hughes Law Offices Can Help

    Benzene cases may involve workplace exposures that occurred decades before a diagnosis. Identifying relevant products, manufacturers, employers, work locations, and historical working conditions can require extensive investigation.

    Hughes Law Offices works with occupational medicine physicians, hematologists, industrial hygienists, toxicologists, and other experts to evaluate exposure history, medical evidence, company records, scientific literature, and causation.

    Our goal is to investigate the potential sources of your benzene exposure, develop the evidence needed to support your claim, and handle the legal process while you focus on your health and family.

    Benzene Verdicts & Settlements

    Seven-Figure Recovery

    Mechanic / AML

    A mechanic diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) after years of occupational exposure to benzene-containing automotive products, including brake cleaners, carburetor cleaners, and penetrating oils. The claim resulted in a confidential seven-figure settlement.

    Six-Figure Recovery

    Pressman / CLL

    A pressman diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) after decades of working with press washes, roller washes, inks, blanket savers, and rubber rejuvenators, along with automotive exposures involving penetrating oils and brake cleaners. The claim resolved through a confidential six-figure settlement.

    Six-Figure Recovery

    Pressman / Multiple Myeloma

    A pressman developed multiple myeloma after years of exposure involving roller washes, press washes, blanket washes, and printing inks. The claim resolved through a confidential six-figure settlement.

    View More Benzene Verdicts & Settlements →

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long after benzene exposure can leukemia develop?

    Benzene-related blood cancers can have long latency periods. A diagnosis may occur years or even decades after workplace exposure occurred.

    Possibly. A diagnosis after retirement does not necessarily prevent someone from pursuing a claim. Whether a claim can still be filed depends on the circumstances, applicable law, and relevant filing deadlines.

    Not necessarily. Product identification can be important, but employment records, job duties, industry practices, historical documents, co-worker testimony, company records, and other evidence may help reconstruct an exposure history.

    Many workers encountered multiple substances during their careers. A complete occupational history can help identify which exposures may be relevant to an individual diagnosis.

    Additional Benzene Resources

    Talk With a Benzene Exposure Lawyer

    If you or someone you love developed leukemia, MDS, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, or another serious blood or bone marrow disorder after occupational benzene exposure, Hughes Law Offices can evaluate your work and exposure history and determine whether you may have a claim.

    Medical & Scientific References

    1. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Benzene. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 120.
    2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Benzene.
    3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Benzene Hazard Summary.

    Worked in One of These Industries and Later Diagnosed with a Blood Disorder?

    Call Us Now 1 (800) BENZENE 1 (800) 236-9363 Find Out If You Have a Benzene Exposure Case

    Hear From Workers and Families We've Helped

    Client Testimonials

    Every benzene exposure case is unique, but one thing remains the same: workers and their families deserve experienced legal representation, honest communication, and compassionate guidance throughout the process. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and grateful they’ve shared their experiences.

    53 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago IL 60604 US
    (800) 236-9363
    5/5 based on 4 reviews

    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).

    Find Out If Your Illness May Be Related to Benzene Exposure

    If you have been diagnosed with leukemia, MDS, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or another serious blood or bone marrow disorder after working with fuels, solvents, degreasers, or other products that may have exposed you to benzene, Hughes Law Offices can evaluate your potential claim.
    Call Us Now 1 (800) BENZENE Find Out If You Have a Benzene Exposure Case