Workplace Benzene Exposure and Cancer Risk

You may be able to receive workers' compensation benefits for illness related to benzene exposure.

Benzene is among the most widely used chemicals in the US. It is a flammable, colorless liquid that has a sweet odor. It occurs naturally in gasoline and crude oil, and is used as a base material in making chemicals such as rubbers, plastics, dyes, detergents, lubricants, and pesticides. It was commonly used as an industrial solvent, but now steps are being taken to curb exposure to this hazardous chemical. High exposure to benzene can cause serious health consequences, and even death in some cases. Unfortunately, many people have become ill due to work-related benzene exposure.

What Are the Ill Effects of Benzene?

According to St. Louis workers' compensation attorneys, cancer is the deadliest consequence of benzene exposure. Various animal and human studies have proved that benzene can cause cancers such as leukaemia and several other types of cancers. Those workers who are exposed to high benzene levels are more likely to get cancer compared to other people. There are several types of cancers that are linked to benzene exposure. They include:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma

The United States National Toxicology Program, International Agency for Research on Cancer, and Environmental Protection Agency have conducted studies to confirm the link between benzene exposure and incidence of cancer. These groups consider benzene a human carcinogenic.

Benzene Exposure

There are two ways in which people can be exposed to benzene-through skin contact and inhalation. A common source of benzene exposure is smoking tobacco. Benzene exposure occurs at both the community level and at the workplace. The former occurs in areas that have fumes and are not well-ventilated and are commonly caused by tobacco smoke. The latter occurs in industries where benzene is used or produced.

Workers at High Risk

The categories of workers that are most commonly exposed to benzene are:

• Rubber industry workers
• Oil and gas refinery workers
• Transportation workers
• Chemical plant workers
• Steel workers
• Shoe manufacturers
• Printers
• Fire fighters
• Lab technicians
• Rail workers
• Barge workers
• Auto mechanics
• Industrial and commercial construction workers
• Heavy machinery mechanics

Any person or worker who comes in contact with benzene or a product that contains benzene can be at risk of toxic benzene exposure. Some benzene containing products include contact cements, kerosene, adhesives, cigarette lighter fluid, rubber cement, glues, gasoline, solvents, asphalts, and many other products.
Due to the toxic and carcinogenic nature of benzene, employers should undertake all possible safety measures to limit benzene exposure.

If you suspect that your cancer or illness could be a result of benzene exposure at the workplace, you may be able to claim workers' compensation benefits. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 for a free consultation.

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Preparing For Your First Meeting

How to prepare for the first meeting with your St. Louis workers' compensation lawyer.

Be prepared for your first meeting with your
St. Louis worker's compensation lawyer.

Consulting a lawyer for a workers' compensation claim is highly advisable. Your first meeting with your lawyer will play a crucial role in shaping the future of your case and will pave the way for a positive relationship between the two of you. So, it is important that you prepare well for the meeting and put your best foot forward. You must approach it with a positive frame of mind. Apart from being polite, on time, and wearing appropriate clothes, there are some other things as well that you need to bear in mind.

Be Calm and Composed

It is important not to jump into the legalities of your case right away. A great way to kick start the conversation is to share some background information with the lawyer. In most cases, the lawyer will take the initiative and ask you about your background and seek other information. This will get you both acquainted and put you at ease.

Let the lawyer take charge of the conversation and steer it the way he/she deems necessary. Do not jump to questions or legal issues. Let him/her decide as to what issues to discuss first. So, be prepared to answer a lot of questions, from your employment history to the details of your injury or illness.

The Focus and Scope of the First Meeting

The focus and scope of the first meeting with your St. Louis workers' compensation lawyer will be to present all relevant information pertaining to your case to make an assessment. The most important thing that you need to bear in mind while speaking to your lawyer is to be extremely honest and factual in what you say. Remember, attorney-client privilege holds for this meeting as well, even if you choose not to hire the lawyer or the lawyer declines to take up your case. Even if there is some negative information that can impact the case at some stage, be sure to share that too.

After the discussions, if the lawyer decides to take up your case, he/she will educate you on your legal options and what you can expect from the case. At the end of the first consultation, you will have a clear idea on how your case is going to progress and what resolution is expected at the end of it. After this meeting, you will have to start with the next steps as recommended by the St. Louis workers' compensation lawyer.

Hiring the Lawyer

Once you both have decided to go ahead with the arrangement, your lawyer may give you a representation contract or attorney engagement letter. These documents include the terms of service. You must thoroughly read the document before signing, and feel free to ask any questions that you may have. Ask about the next steps that you need to take and follow up. Make sure to communicate regularly and clearly with the St. Louis workers' compensation lawyer as the case progresses.

Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.

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