Benzene is a widely-used, highly toxic industrial chemical that is associated with several types of cancer, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (AML).
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting benzene induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Exposure Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Spray Products Recalled for Toxic Benzene
A growing number of class action lawsuits have been filed by consumers who were angry to learn about benzene contamination in their favorite spray products, such as sunscreens and deodorants.
According to manufacturers, benzene was not added as an ingredient to these products. Instead, benzene is a contaminant that has been found in the propellant that sprays the product out of the can.
Some of these recalled products include:
- Odor-Eaters Anti-Fungal Foot Spray
- Sunscreen Spray
- Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen
- Deodorant Sprays
- Brut & Sure Antiperspirant Sprays
- Dry Shampoo Spray
$8.2 Million Awarded in Benzene Exposure Lawsuit
In October 2015, a 60 year-old man from Dallas, Texas was awarded $8.2 million by a jury in a lawsuit over benzene exposure. The man, Virgil Hood, was exposed to benzene after working as a painter for Continental Airlines between 1973 and 1996.
In 2012, he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in 2012. He required a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy, but still suffers major health problems.
His attorneys accuse DuPont of failing to warn about the risk of cancer from benzene in paint and paint thinner, despite evidence that the company knew by the late 1960s that it was associated with leukemia.
The lawsuit is Virgil Hood v. E.I. DuPont De Nemours — Case No. DC-13-03619-H in Dallas County District Court.
BP Pays $180 Million Benzene Lawsuit Settlement
In 2009, BP paid a $180 million settlement in a benzene lawsuit filed by the Justice Department over air pollution from a refinery in Texas City, Texas. The refinery had a massive explosion in 2005 that caused 15 deaths and injured at least 170 other people.
Benzene Exposure and Cancer
Benzene is a common industrial chemical that is extremely toxic and known to cause several types of cancer, but particularly Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). This cancer causes the bone marrow to make abnormal white blood cells that do not fight infections and crowd out healthy cells.
Symptoms of Leukemia
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Bruising or bleeding
- Flat red spots under the skin caused by bleeding
- Weakness
- Feeling tired
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
What is the problem?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is nationally recognized as a class action law firm, but our lawyers are not filing a class action lawsuit at this time. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits for people who developed cancer from benzene exposure on the job, such as auto mechanics in repair shops or railroad workers.
Types of Cancer Linked to Benzene
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Aplastic Anemia
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Blood cancers
- Childhood leukemia
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Hematologic cancer
- Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia
About Class Actions
Class action lawsuits are useful when a lot of people have the same legal claim, but everyone is seeking a relatively small payout (refunds for a defective product, for example). The biggest disadvantage is that everyone in the class action must share the payout.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Class Action
The problem with class action lawsuits is that people with severe injuries may have to accept a low-ball settlement or higher attorney’s fees. Very few class actions ever go to trial before a judge and jury.
Instead of a class action, our lawyers file individual lawsuits so we can focus on helping people with severe injuries seek compensation. If you developed cancer from exposure to benzene on the job, you may qualify to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, long-term injuries, and much more.
Do I have a Benzene Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting benzene induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Exposure Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
