Benzene Lawsuit

Benzene, a colorless, sweet-smelling chemical, is used in a number of products, including dyes, solvents, paints, plastics, chemical products, and the petroleum industry.

Those working with Benzene products are classed as a high risk group, and this is because these people are at increased risk of dangerous exposure levels of Benzene, which can result in a range of debilitating health problems, including leukemia.

It is estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency that around fifty percent of the United States population have been exposed to Benzene, but those that work with the chemical – particularly those working with petroleum based solvents – are the ones exposed to it at higher levels and prolonged periods.

The vapors produced by Benzene can result in a range of symptoms, including cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion.

The chemical is linked to a number of different types of leukaemia, including AML (acute myelogenous leukemia), ALL (acute lymphatic leukemia), CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia), Hodgkin’s Disease, HCL (hairy cell leukemia), and aplastic anemia. Some of the additional symptoms linked to exposure to the chemical include:

• Fatigue
• Malaise (vague feeling of bodily discomfort)
• Abnormal bleeding
• Excessive bruising
• Weakness
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Weight loss
• Bone or joint pain
• Infection and fever
• Abdominal pain or “fullness”
• Enlarged spleen, lymph nodes, and liver

As a result of Benzene exposure a number of cases of ill health and death have occurred.

Many chemical companies and industries were aware of the link between benzene exposure and ill health, with the first reports of these links dating back to the late 1800s.

However, despite this knowledge many workers were – and in some cases still are – left to work with the chemical without adequate protection.

Those suffering from ill health through occupational exposure to this chemical may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained, and the same goes for the families of those that may already have passed away through the ill effects of Benzene exposure.

Anyone that works with this chemical is advised to seek medical assistance should any of the above-mentioned symptoms arise, and should also seek legal assistance.

There have already been a number of successful lawsuits filed by those affected by exposure to Benzene.

Many of these lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar compensation awards for those affected by the chemical or the families of those that have died due to their exposure.

Although monetary compensation does no make up for the loss of health or life, the compensation awarded through these lawsuits goes some way towards helping with medical costs, paying for pain and suffering, and providing a financially stable future for loved ones in the case of terminal illness caused by benzene exposure.

An experienced and qualified Benzene lawyer can help you to put together a solid lawsuit if you have been affected by this chemical.

In the case of a person that has passed away through illness caused by exposure, a lawyer can help the family to put together a sound wrongful death lawsuit.

As well as legal assistance in filing a benzene lawsuit, experienced lawyers within this field will also be able to help put you in touch with support groups and other organizations.

One thing to bear in mind if you are planning to look into filing a Benzene lawsuit is the statute of limitation, which can vary from one state to another.

In order to maximize on the chances of success with your lawsuit you should find out what the statute of limitation is for your state, and ensure that you seek legal assistance in a timely manner.

The compensation awarded through a successful benzene lawsuit can vary, but aims to cover factors such as loss of income, medical costs, pain and suffering, and in the case of wrongful death lawsuits, loss of life.

The levels of health damage will also determine the amount of compensation received.