Illinois 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 lawyers at Hughes Law Offices are experienced leukemia lawyers serving Illinois workers sickened by benzene exposures.

Who is at Risk for Leukemia from Benzene?

Oil refinery workers and tradespeople who work in chemical facilities are at a higher risk of developing leukemia and multiple myeloma. Most pipefitters, engineers, boilermakers, and machinists in chemical facilities would have been exposed to benzene. Individuals involved in transporting chemicals by trucks, trains, barges, and ships are also at risk for dangerous exposures. Hooking up hoses and checking tank levels are common routes of exposure. 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. Many Illinois workers are still being exposed to hazardous levels of benzene today.

Illinois Industries where Benzene was Present

Illinois is home to many industries whose workers were historically exposed to benzene. For instance, Illinois is home to several major refineries, and ranks fourth in the nation in crude oil refining capacity. Further, Illinois is also home to the sixth largest chemical industry as well as the fifth largest commercial printing industry in the country. Countless individuals from Illinois working in these and other industries have spent years around benzene-containing products.

Is Illinois a Good Place to file a Benzene Leukemia Lawsuit?

The short answer is yes; benzene cases are frequently brought in Illinois 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 Illinois, 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 Illinois. 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.

Illinois 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 Illinois benzene verdicts and settlements below:

• $7,500,000 verdict – The 51-year-old Plaintiff worked as a maintenance-of-way employee for Chicago & North Western Railway and its successor Union Pacific Railroad CO. from 1976 to 2008. During his employment he endured years of exposure to benzene-laden chemicals such as creosote, coal tar distillates, carbolineum, naphtha, and various cleaning solvents. Following these exposures, he developed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of cancer that is heavily linked to benzene exposure. The Plaintiff won at trial, and the jury awarded him compensation for the railroad’s failure to provide a safe workplace. (James Brown v. Union Pacific)

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.