Is Your Acute Myeloid Leukemia Linked to Exposure to Benzene?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in the past five years, you should have a knowledgeable attorney review the specific facts about your diagnosis to see if there is a causal link between your cancer and benzene exposure. If a causal link can be identified, you may be entitled to seek compensation to help cover your medical bills, lost income and other expenses related to your condition.
The lawyers at Hardison & Cochran, Attorneys at Law are investigating cases of acute myeloid leukemia caused by benzene exposure. We can review your work history and identify whether you have potential exposure to benzene. Our attorneys represent injured individuals and families throughout North Carolina who have been harmed by the negligence of others, including individuals who developed cancer from exposure to benzene. Contact us for a free consultation about your situation.
Who is At Risk of Benzene Exposure?
Benzene, a colorless liquid with a sweet odor, is one of the most widely used chemicals. This potentially dangerous chemical is used as a starter chemical to make other materials including lubricants, drugs, pesticides and plastics. Benzene also is known as benzol.
Workers employed in industries that use benzene including chemical plants, rubber tire manufacturing plants, shoe manufacturers, steel production plants, gasoline transportation and refineries typically experience the highest exposures to benzene. Gas station attendants, automobile mechanics, firefighters, printers and lab techs also may come into regular contact with benzene. The primary way workers are exposed to benzene is by breathing fumes from products that contain benzene including automobile exhaust, industrial emissions, glues, oil-based paints, mineral spirits, furniture wax and tobacco smoke.
Benzene is a known cause of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, studies have found the rates of acute myeloid leukemia or AML to be higher among workers exposed to high levels of benzene such as workers in the chemical, shoemaking and oil refining industries. This form of cancer typically advances rapidly.
People who breathe benzene for extended periods may experience bloodstream disorders and are more susceptible to developing benzene-related cancer. Long-term exposure to benzene harms the bone marrow, the spongy, inner part of bones where new blood cells are produced. People with AML typically do not have enough red blood cells or other blood components.
If you have been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, you will need to undergo follow-up testing to determine the extent of the cancer and the specific subtype of the leukemia. Doctors use this testing to determine which types of treatment are likely to be effective to induce the cancer into remission. You are facing extensive medical treatments and unanticipated medicals bills.
Contact Benzene Cancer Attorneys in North Carolina
Our attorneys at Hardison & Cochran are committed to holding accountable those who harm workers through benzene exposure. If you have been diagnosed with AML within the last five years, let us review the specific facts of your diagnosis and discuss your legal options. If you have developed cancer as a result of on-the-job exposure to benzene, you may be entitled to seek substantial compensation. Call us today to find out how we can help.
