Published by If you or a loved one experienced cancer (particularly Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome) following benzene exposure, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to toxic chemical exposure. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Benzene Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Benzene Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Benzene Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Benzene Lawsuit?
- Statute of Limitations for Benzene Lawsuits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What steps should I take if I suspect benzene exposure?
- 2. What industries are most commonly associated with benzene exposure?
- 3. How long do I have to file a Philadelphia Benzene Lawsuit?
- 4. How is benzene exposure linked to cancer?
- 5. What compensation might I receive from a benzene lawsuit?
- 6. Can I file a lawsuit if a family member died from benzene-related illness?
- 7. How do I prove my illness was caused by benzene exposure?
- 8. What if I was exposed to benzene through consumer products?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References:
Benzene Lawsuit Overview
Benzene, a petroleum-derived chemical found in numerous industrial and consumer products, has been linked to several types of cancer.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers for failing to warn about the risks of benzene exposure.
These legal actions focus particularly on cases of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which have been scientifically linked to benzene exposure.
Latest Benzene Lawsuit Updates
Current litigation is ongoing against companies that manufacture products containing benzene, with plaintiffs seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from benzene-related illnesses.
Related Article: Benzene Exposure Lawsuit Update
FDA Reports and Statistics
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) [1] have classified benzene as a known human carcinogen.
According to workplace safety regulations, the permissible exposure limit for benzene in the air is 1 part per million (ppm) for an 8-hour workday, with a short-term exposure limit of 5 ppm for any 15-minute period.
Rates of leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), have been found to be higher in studies of workers who have been exposed to benzene over long time periods, according to the American Cancer Society [2].
Benzene Injuries & Side Effects
Benzene exposure has been associated with the development of many life-threatening illnesses, including various forms of cancer and blood disorders.
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): Cancer that progresses quickly and affects bone marrow and blood
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): Group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Cancer that originates in the lymphatic system
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Slow-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow
- Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia: Rare bone marrow disorders
- Aplastic Anemia: Condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow
- Hairy Cell Leukemia: Rare, slow-growing cancer of the blood
- Multiple Myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Cancer that starts in blood-forming cells of the bone marrow
- Hematologic Cancers: Various cancers affecting blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes
- Bladder Cancer: Cancer that begins in the bladder cells
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Do You Qualify for a Benzene Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a benzene lawsuit if:
- You were exposed to benzene through occupational or consumer product use
- You developed a serious health condition like AML, MDS, or other related cancers
- Your diagnosis can be linked to benzene exposure
- You have medical documentation of your condition and treatment
Benzene Exposure Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) [3] reports that benzene exposure through ingestion or inhalation can lead to the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Unconsciousness
- Death
Evidence Required for a Benzene Lawsuit
To pursue a successful benzene lawsuit, you’ll need to provide:
- Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
- Employment history showing exposure to benzene
- Documentation of products used containing benzene
- Expert testimony linking your condition to benzene exposure
Damages You Can Recover
In a successful benzene lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
Statute of Limitations for Benzene Lawsuits
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the harm.
It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the legal time limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What steps should I take if I suspect benzene exposure?
Seek immediate medical evaluation to document your health condition and consult with an attorney specializing in toxic exposure litigation. Gathering evidence of exposure and health impacts is crucial for building a strong case.
2. What industries are most commonly associated with benzene exposure?
Industries commonly associated with benzene exposure include petrochemical manufacturing, oil refining, chemical production, rubber manufacturing, and industries using solvents and adhesives containing benzene.
3. How long do I have to file a Philadelphia Benzene Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state, but in Pennsylvania, it is generally two years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the harm. Consulting with an attorney can ensure timely filing.
4. How is benzene exposure linked to cancer?
Benzene damages the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells and can cause changes in blood components that may lead to leukemia and other blood disorders. Long-term exposure increases cancer risk by damaging DNA in bone marrow cells.
5. What compensation might I receive from a benzene lawsuit?
Compensation typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Settlement amounts vary based on exposure duration, severity of illness, and impact on quality of life.
Yes, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
7. How do I prove my illness was caused by benzene exposure?
Proving causation typically requires medical documentation linking your condition to benzene exposure, employment records showing work in high-risk environments, expert testimony, and scientific evidence connecting benzene to your specific health condition.
8. What if I was exposed to benzene through consumer products?
You may still have a valid claim against manufacturers if their products contained benzene that led to your illness. Product liability laws hold manufacturers responsible for harmful products, even if you weren’t exposed in an occupational setting.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for benzene-related injuries. In Pennsylvania, you typically have only two years from the date of diagnosis to file your claim. Don’t delay in seeking the compensation you deserve.
The Workplace and Environmental Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in benzene exposure lawsuits.
We are handling individual litigation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as across the U.S., and are currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
Start Your Free Case Review Now
References:
- https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/benzene.html
- https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp