Exposure to benzene, a toxic chemical found in dozens of industrial and consumer products, has been linked to serious illnesses including cancer and leukemia.
You may be entitled to compensation by filing a benzene lawsuit. Our lawyers offer a free review of your potential case. Please click the button below to submit your information online or call us directly by dialing (866) 223-3784.
Start My Free Case ReviewUpdate: Colorado Petroleum Site Reports Emitting High Levels of Benzene
December 21, 2017 – Anadarko Petroleum Corporation has discovered benzene-contaminated groundwater and soil at a site in Dacono, Colorado, according to a report filed by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). The commission discovered the problem while trying to dig up an old pump earlier this month, requiring Anadarko to remove 200 barrels of contaminated groundwater.
What’s the problem?
Benzene is a toxic compound and known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) that can have severe effects on the human body. While it is technically considered an industrial solvent, the chemical has a myriad of different uses, both in industrial applications as well as everyday consumer products.
Benzene has a sweet smell which manufacturers have used in hygiene products including shaving lotions, household solvents and cleaners. It was also used as an ingredient in decaffeinate coffee, and in many food products for decades.
During this time, the effects of benzene were unknown to the public and medical community. It wasn’t until many people started being diagnosed with diseases like acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) that the link between benzene and serious side effects was discovered.
How Does Benzene Exposure Occur?
Exposure to Benzene can occur in a number of ways: ingestion, inhalation, or by absorbing the chemical through the skin. Ingestion can be from foods or beverages, and many times people are completely unaware that it is in their food.
Benzene Health Effects
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia
- Aplastic Anemia
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
- Hematologic Cancers
- Bladder Cancer
- And more
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
The myelodysplastic syndromes (“MDS”, formerly known as “preleukemia”) are a diverse group of haematological diseases characterized by ineffective production of blood cells and varying risks of transformation to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Anemia requiring chronic blood transfusion is frequently present. Although not a true malignant neoplasm, MDS is nevertheless classified within the hematological neoplasms.
MDS Symptoms
- Anemia – chronic tiredness, shortness of breath, chilled sensation, sometimes chest pain
- Neutropenia (low white cell count) – increased susceptibility to infection
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) – increased susceptibility to bleeding
How Do I Know if I Have a Claim?
If you suspect that your illness was caused by exposure to benzene in the workplace, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against your employer. It is key to determine that the exposure was in high enough amounts to make you sick, and also that the exposure could have been prevented.
It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure your safety, take measures to minimize exposure, and to follow regulations set forth by the U.S. government. If they fail to do so, they may be found guilty of negligence and forced to pay you damages.
Do I Have a Las Vegas Benzene Class Action Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in benzene lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cancer cases in Las Vegas, Nevada, and all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you suffered complications from benzene exposure, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.