The Jones Act was signed into law more than 100 years ago. The Jones Act, codified as 46 U.S.C. §30104. Personal Injury or Death of Seamen, allows seamen, mariners, deckhands, and tankermen to sue their employer for injury. It also allows a personal representative to sue an employer for the death of a seaman that was attributed to his or her employment.
If you were a mariner, were exposed to benzene, and later developed certain bone and blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), call 1-800-BENZENE today to learn more.
Why Does Bunkering Put Workers at Risk for Leukemia?
Tankermen, deckhands, and other mariners involved in the fueling of vessels are regularly exposed to benzene. Benzene is a known cause of leukemia. Gasoline can contain 10,000 parts per million of benzene. Bunkering and supply crews also move other benzene-containing products like toluene, No. 6 oil, and marine diesel. A mariner could be exposed to benzene every time they hook up a hose or check the level in a tank. And it isn’t only tankermen and deckhands who are exposed to benzene. Captains were often tasked with observing the first twenty minutes and the last twenty minutes of a transfer of fuel or chemicals. Captains have historically helped with hookups when the need arose. Temperature and pressure changes meant that benzene vapors were vented right into the work area of the mariners. Our Jones Act clients have told us that it is nearly impossible to avoid vapors while working on a bunkering vessel.
What Cancers Are Caused By Benzene?
Benzene is classified as a Group One Carcinogen. Other Group One Carcinogens include plutonium and asbestos. Benzene has been linked to blood cancers since the 1940s. Prolonged exposures to benzene, even at low levels, are linked with the following cancers:
-
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
-
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
-
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
-
Multiple Myeloma (MM)
A Jones Act Leukemia Law Firm Working For You
Jones Act cancer cases are complex undertakings. Traditional workers’ compensation no-fault liability standards do not apply to Jones Act cases. We work with experts to connect your cancer with your workplace benzene exposures.
Under the Jones Act, you have three years from the date of diagnosis to file a lawsuit against your employer. If other parties contributed to your benzene exposures, you may only have one year to sue those entities. The time to act is limited. If you or a loved one worked in the maritime industry, was exposed to benzene and later developed myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, or another bone or blood cancer, call 1-800-BENZENE for a free consultation with a lawyer.
