Benzene Exposure Lawyers
An experienced attorney can fight for your rights
Benzene is commonly found in many products and industries. But this chemical can cause severe and sometimes fatal health problems, sometimes years after the exposure. If you have developed cancer that could be related to benzene exposure, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Cases involving personal injury from toxic exposure to benzene can be complicated. Negligent parties and their insurance carriers often fight these claims aggressively. That’s why you need experienced legal representation on your side. At the Ferrell Law Group, our toxic exposure lawyers are ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for your rights.
What is benzene?
Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid with a distinct sweet odor. It is widely used in the oil and gas industry as well as chemical production and manufacturing processes across many different industries.
Benzene can be found in:
- Gasoline and other fuels
- Chemical solvents and cleaning agents
- Adhesives, glues, gums, and sealants
- Paints, varnishes, and coatings
- Printing inks
- Plastics, rubber, nylon, and synthetic materials
- Dyes and pigments
- Waxes
- Lubricants and other petroleum products
- Pesticides
- Tobacco smoke
But despite its usefulness, benzene is classified as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by multiple health organizations.
The dangers of benzene
Exposure to benzene, even for a short time, can lead to serious health issues by harming red and white blood cells, bone marrow, and the immune system. In particular, benzene can cause the following types of cancer:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) – This is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells. It is characterized by the rapid growth and accumulation of abnormal myeloid cells, which are immature white blood cells responsible for fighting infections. In AML, these abnormal cells fail to mature properly and overcrowd the bone marrow, impairing its ability to produce healthy blood cells.
AML typically develops quickly, and the rapid proliferation of abnormal cells interferes with the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can lead to various symptoms and complications.
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) – This refers to a group of disorders characterized by abnormal production and maturation of blood cells in the bone marrow. MDS is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and leads to insufficient production of healthy blood cells.
In normal bone marrow function, hematopoietic stem cells mature and differentiate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. However, in MDS, these stem cells do not mature properly and become defective. As a result, the bone marrow produces fewer healthy blood cells, and the ones that are produced may be abnormal in structure and function.
How are people exposed to benzene?
People can be exposed to benzene through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Even minor levels of exposure have health risks, and AML and MDS can develop years later. People can come into contact with benzene through:
- Occupational exposure – Workers in industries such as petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, rubber production, printing, and painting are at higher risk. Inhalation of benzene vapors and direct skin contact with benzene-containing substances in the workplace can lead to toxic levels of exposure.
- Environmental pollution – Benzene can be released into the environment through industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other sources. Individuals living or working near industrial facilities or areas with heavy traffic may be exposed to elevated levels of benzene in the air. Benzene can also contaminate soil and be transferred into crops and animals that eat polluted grass, ultimately reaching humans who consume contaminated agricultural products.
- Contaminated water – Benzene can contaminate water sources due to industrial spills, improper waste disposal, or groundwater pollution. Drinking water or using contaminated water for various purposes can result in toxic levels of benzene exposure.
Contact an attorney who will fight for you
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with AML or MDS and think there may be a connection to benzene exposures, it’s important to talk to a lawyer who has experience handling toxic exposure cases. You may be able to recover financial compensation for medical expenses and other damages related to your illness.
The Ferrell Law Group understands the impact a benzene-related cancer can have on victims and their families. We investigate these cases thoroughly and work with medical and chemical experts to build strong cases that have to be taken seriously. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients in Texas and throughout the country.
You may not be sure if you have a case or whether it’s even worth talking to a lawyer. But it’s important to understand your rights and where you stand. One of our experienced attorneys can evaluate your situation, assess liability, and answer any questions you have.
If we take your case, we will fight to hold negligent parties accountable and help you recover financial compensation. But it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Statutes of limitations set a deadline for taking legal action and it can take time to build a strong case that gets results. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.