Benzene Injury Law

Pipefitters & Leukemia

Pipefitters have been integral to the growth of industry in the United States. Unfortunately, pipefitters are at an increased risk of developing certain blood and bone cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). It has been known for years that these cancers can be caused by exposure to benzene, a sweet-smelling toxin.

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    Pipefitters who have worked at coke-manufacturing facilities have successfully brought lawsuits because benzene is a byproduct of coke production. This benzene can be sold once captured. Unfortunately, while care was often taken to capture the benzene, proper care was not taken to protect the fitters who were changing packing on valves or servicing, installing, or replacing pumps. Pipefitters at coke facilities have testified that they inhaled benzene vapors and got benzene or benzene-containing products on their skin. Benzene exposures, even those occurring decades ago, can lead to leukemia diagnosis today.

    How were pipefitters exposed to Benzene?

    Pipefitters work in many commercial and industrial settings where benzene is present such as petroleum refineries and chemical facilities. Exposures to toxic levels of benzene could occur at multiple points of the mechanical piping system. Fitters used products such as Liquid Wrench, WD-40, and  other penetrating oils to loosen connections between pipes and valves, pumps, and air compressors. Much of the Liquid Wrench sold in the US throughout the 1960s and 1970s contained more than 4% benzene. 

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    Pipefitters: Find out if your leukemia is related to benzene.

    These cases are difficult to undertake. Our experts know how chemicals like benzene cause certain cancers. Our experienced attorneys will identify the proper defendants who produced and distributed the benzene-containing products. If you or a loved one worked as a pipefitter and have been diagnosed with a blood or bone cancer, call 1-800-BENZENE and speak to an attorney today. All consultations are free.

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    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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