Illnesses Caused By Benzene Exposures
Benzene is a Class 1 carcinogen that causes acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), and other bone and blood cancers. The leukemia lawyers at Hughes Law Offices have experience serving workers sickened by benzene exposures in Washington.
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 multiple myeloma and leukemia. Most boilermakers, pipefitters, engineers, laborers, and machinists in chemical facilities would have been exposed to benzene. Individuals involved in transporting chemicals by trucks, barges, ships, and trains, are also at risk for dangerous exposures. Hooking up hoses and checking tank levels of petroleum-based products are common routes of benzene exposure. Gasoline tanker truck drivers, gas station attendants, mechanics, and printers were commonly exposed to benzene. Brake cleaners, penetrating oils, gasoline, and inks have all contained benzene. Unfortunately, even today, some Washington workers continue to be exposed to hazardous levels of benzene.
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Washington Industries where Benzene was Present
Washington is home to many industries whose workers were historically exposed to benzene. There are five major refineries in Washington. BP, Phillips 66, Shell Oil, Tesoro, and US Oil all refine petroleum into gasoline and other petroleum-based products. Those products are then shipped via pipeline, tanker truck, or boat throughout the world. Seamen, dockworkers, and laborers are commonly exposed to benzene while loading and unloading those products. Countless benzene-containing products move through the Port of Longview. The aviation industry has had a significant presence in Washington going back to World War II. Maintaining pumps, valves, and piping in industrial and transportation facilities can expose workers to products containing benzene. Thousands of individuals from Washington working in these and other industries have spent years around benzene-containing products.
Is Washington a Good Place to file a Benzene Leukemia Lawsuit?
The short answer is yes; benzene cases are frequently brought in Washington courts. Why is that? There are multiple reasons, but a primary one relates to experts. In proving up your case, leukemia law firms like Hughes Law Offices will retain a team of experts. These experts are used to help connect your benzene exposures to your resulting illness. In Washington, the laws relating to 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 leukemia 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 Washington State. 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.
