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Railroad Acute Myeloid Leukemia Lawsuit [2025 Guide]

Gianaris Trial Lawyers represents railroad employees that have dedicated their lives to one of America's most important industries. Workers on the railroad face a unique set of on-the-job toxic exposures that can lead to a life-changing diagnosis.

Railroad Benzene Exposure Linked to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Railroad Acute Myeloid Leukemia Lawsuit claims are being filed by workers who developed AML after long-term exposure to toxic substances like benzene on the job.

This aggressive form of leukemia has been scientifically linked to chemical exposures common in railroad environments.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers represents individuals and families affected by AML, helping them pursue compensation, justice, and accountability for the harms they’ve endured.

Secondhand Smoke, Railroad Conductors & Cancer; Benzene and Asbestos_ The Hidden Dangers in the Railroad Industry; Treatment Options for AML_ The Financial Toll; Your Legal Rights_ Compensation for Railroad Workers with AML; Take Action_ Protect Your Rights Today

Our Railroad Benzene Lawyers Can Help You Seek Justice and Compensation

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as acute myelogenous leukemia, is an aggressive blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and quickly spreads through the bloodstream.

Scientific research has long linked AML to benzene exposure, a hazardous chemical frequently present in the railroad industry.

Diesel exhaust, chemical solvents, degreasers, and crude oil derivatives all contribute to toxic exposures that may lead to the development of AML and other blood cancers.

Railroad workers (particularly those employed in roles involving fuel, maintenance, or industrial chemicals) face an increased risk of developing AML due to prolonged occupational exposure.

In some cases, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a related condition, may also be associated with long-term chemical exposure in railroad environments.

Despite well-known dangers, many railroad companies failed to implement proper safety protocols or provide adequate respiratory protection to shield employees from these risks.

Affected workers and their families may be able to pursue legal action through a railroad benzene lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which allows railroad employees to seek compensation when employer negligence results in illness.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers represents individuals who developed AML after years of unprotected railroad work, advocating for full accountability and financial recovery.

Our law firm investigates each case thoroughly, identifying exposures, job duties, and corporate safety failures that may have contributed to the diagnosis.

If you or a loved one is suffering from acute myeloid leukemia or another blood cancer after working in the railroad industry, you may be eligible to file a claim and seek compensation.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a railroad acute myeloid leukemia lawsuit instantly.

How is Acute Myeloid Leukemia Linked to Railroad Work?

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), also called acute myelogenous leukemia, originates in the bone marrow where it disrupts the production of healthy white blood cells and red blood cells.

Scientific studies demonstrate that benzene exposure, especially in occupational settings, significantly increases the risk of AML – with dose-response relationships showing risk rising as cumulative exposure increases

Railroad workers frequently encounter toxic products and benzene-containing products, such as diesel fuel, solvents, cleaning agents, and degreasers, creating conditions for long term exposure and elevated risk of blood cancers like AML.

The Environmental Protection Agency explicitly classifies benzene as a known carcinogen, particularly linked to leukemia and bone marrow disorders.

Its toxic metabolites damage DNA in blood-forming cells, generating chromosomal abnormalities and suppressing stem cell function, key factors in developing AML.

Even cigarette smoke (a minor but measurable benzene source) adds to cumulative exposure, compounding risk over years in railroad environments.

When workers breathe contaminated air or come into dermal contact with benzene-laden fluids, prolonged exposure becomes particularly harmful.

Railroad benzene lawsuits often center on proving that an employee was inadvertently exposed on the job (through diesel fumes, solvent vapors, or creosote treatments) and later diagnosed with AML.

Although accidental exposures may seem benign, scientific evidence shows there is no safe benzene threshold: even low-level chronic exposure can significantly increase leukemia risk.

Experienced attorneys evaluate workplace histories, chemical use, and medical records to establish causation and pursue legal action.

Workers who develop AML after years of railroad work may be eligible for compensation under FELA through a well-organized benzene exposure lawsuit.

Routes of exposure to benzene and other solvents that can lead to AML include:

  • Inhalation of benzene vapors and diesel exhaust in maintenance pits, engine cabs, or depots
  • Skin contact with benzene-containing solvents, oils, degreasers, or creosote products
  • Ingestion of residual benzene from hand-to-mouth contact during meals or breaks
  • Chronic low-level ambient exposure in enclosed shops, yards, or confined spaces with poor ventilation

These exposure routes underscore how repetitive, long‑term exposure (even at low concentrations) raises the increased risk of AML for railroad workers.

Railroad Job Roles Linked to High Levels of Benzene Exposure & AML Diagnoses

Workers in the railroad industry who have significant exposure to benzene through routine diesel exhaust, solvent use, and handling of chemical products face a heightened risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and related blood disorders.

Long‑term benzene exposure (even at low levels) has been scientifically shown to cause bone marrow damage, chromosomal mutations, and suppression of healthy white blood cells, all of which contribute to leukemia.

Establishing this causal connection is critical for filing legal claims such as a railroad benzene lawsuit under FELA, which allows affected workers to seek compensation for serious health effects.

Experienced attorneys often focus on proving that a worker was exposed on a regular basis to benzene‑containing products and diesel fumes in the workplace, and that this prolonged exposure contributed to their acute leukemia diagnosis.

Railroad job roles commonly linked to increased AML risk from benzene exposure include:

  • Locomotive engineers and firemen
  • Carmen and rail car maintenance staff
  • Diesel mechanics and shop machinists
  • Pipefitters and electricians working in engine or repair shops
  • Track maintenance workers (trackmen)
  • Conductors and brakemen working in yards or fueling zones
  • Yardmasters and switch operators in railyards
  • Signal maintainers servicing enclosed communication systems
  • Utility and fueling crew members handling solvents and diesel
  • Support staff in enclosed engine houses, roundhouses, and repair pits

These roles often involve breathing contaminated air, working in poorly ventilated spaces, or handling benzene-containing cleaning agents and lubricants, all of which elevate AML risk.

If a railroad worker in one of these roles develops acute leukemia, a strong legal claim may be built by linking their work history, exposure evidence, and medical diagnosis to employer negligence.

About Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive form of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow and rapidly spreads into the bloodstream.

AML develops when abnormal myeloid cells multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy cells that are essential for immune function and oxygen transport.

AML can cause symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, and unexplained bleeding.

One of the most well-documented causes of AML is repeated exposure to a cancer causing chemical like benzene, which is commonly found in industrial and railroad environments.

This type of leukemia progresses quickly and requires urgent medical intervention, including chemotherapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplantation.

Even after treatment, remaining leukemia cells may persist in the body, leading to relapse or long-term complications.

Scientific research has firmly established a causal link between benzene and blood cancers, particularly leukemia such as AML and other cancers like multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Individuals exposed to benzene over long periods face a significantly higher risk of developing AML compared to the general population.

Due to its severity and connection to occupational hazards, AML is one of the most litigated toxic exposure diseases in the industrial workforce.

Complications of AML

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) can lead to serious and life-threatening complications when unhealthy cells overwhelm the body’s ability to produce functional blood components.

The disease often progresses in two stages: an initial acute phase and a potential relapse if remaining leukemia cells are not eliminated.

As AML disrupts the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, the body becomes vulnerable to infections, bleeding, and oxygen deprivation.

Many complications stem from both the disease itself and the intense treatments required to manage it.

Common complications of AML include:

  • Severe infections due to low white blood cell counts
  • Uncontrolled bleeding from reduced platelets
  • Anemia-related fatigue and organ stress
  • Tumor lysis syndrome, caused by rapid cancer cell breakdown
  • Bone marrow failure
  • Liver or kidney dysfunction
  • Relapse after remission
  • Secondary cancers from chemotherapy exposure
  • Central nervous system involvement in advanced cases
  • Mental and emotional health challenges due to prolonged treatment

Blood Cancers Closely Related to AML

Several blood cancers share similar origins, symptoms, or cellular traits with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

These related conditions often stem from the bone marrow and involve abnormal white blood cell production.

A cancer diagnosis involving one of these conditions may reflect overlapping characteristics or progression from one type to another. While AML is aggressive and fast-growing, other blood cancers can follow chronic or intermediate patterns.

Blood cancers closely related to AML include:

Treatment Options for AML

Treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is often aggressive and tailored to the individual’s age, overall health, and the specific subtype of the disease.

The primary goal is to eliminate the leukemia cells and restore healthy bone marrow function.

Treatment usually begins with induction therapy, an intensive phase designed to bring about remission by reducing the number of leukemia cells to undetectable levels.

If successful, patients typically move on to consolidation or maintenance therapy, which aims to destroy any remaining leukemia cells and prevent relapse.

Several treatment modalities are used in various combinations depending on disease progression and patient response:

  • Drug Therapy (Chemotherapy): Standard chemotherapy drugs such as cytarabine and anthracyclines are used to kill fast-dividing leukemia cells.
  • Targeted Therapy: These drugs are designed to attack specific genetic mutations or proteins found in AML cells, causing less damage to normal cells.
  • Biological Therapy: This approach uses the body’s immune system or substances made from living organisms to fight leukemia or reduce treatment side effects.
  • Radiation Therapy: While not commonly used as a primary AML treatment, radiation may be employed in specific cases, such as before a stem cell transplant or to treat isolated masses.
  • Consolidation or Maintenance Therapy: Administered after remission to sustain the response and reduce the risk of relapse, often involving less intensive chemotherapy or oral medications.

Choosing the right combination of treatments depends heavily on consultation with hematologists and oncologists familiar with AML.

New clinical trials and emerging therapies continue to improve long-term survival rates for those diagnosed with this aggressive blood cancer.

Do You Qualify for a Railroad AML Lawsuit?

Determining whether you qualify for a railroad Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) lawsuit depends on several factors related to your work history, medical diagnosis, and potential exposure to toxic substances.

Workers who were regularly exposed to diesel exhaust, solvents, degreasers, or other products that contained benzene during the manufacturing process may have a legal claim.

Over the years, numerous individuals have filed lawsuits after developing AML linked to benzene exposure on the job.

These cases often argue that railroad companies failed to adequately protect workers from hazardous chemicals known to increase leukemia risk.

If you were diagnosed with AML after working in the railroad industry, particularly in environments involving maintenance, refueling, or industrial cleaning, your exposure history may support a claim.

A qualified attorney can help determine whether your exposure was sufficient in duration and intensity to justify legal action.

Lawsuits also explore whether employers knew or should have known about the dangers of the products used and failed to implement proper safety measures.

If your work involved repeated contact with toxic substances and you have an AML diagnosis, you may be eligible to pursue compensation.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers for free consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for an AML lawsuit.

Gathering Evidence for a Railroad Acute Myeloid Leukemia Claim

Gathering strong evidence is critical to supporting a Railroad Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) claim.

Experienced attorneys can help identify sources of exposure, preserve employment and medical records, and consult experts to establish a clear link between your diagnosis and workplace conditions.

Legal teams also play a vital role in collecting documentation that proves the use of benzene-containing products and the employer’s failure to warn or protect workers.

Evidence for a Railroad AML claim may include:

  • Work history records showing job duties and locations of employment.
  • Material safety data sheets (MSDS) documenting the presence of benzene-containing products.
  • Occupational medical evaluations and routine bloodwork from railroad employment.
  • Expert toxicologist reports connecting benzene exposure to your AML diagnosis.
  • Witness statements from coworkers familiar with job site conditions.
  • Railroad company safety manuals or lack of proper hazard communication materials.
  • Product labels or purchase records for solvents, degreasers, or fuels used on the job.
  • Medical records confirming an AML diagnosis and treatment history.
  • Evidence of corporate knowledge about benzene’s health effects and failure to mitigate exposure.

Damages in Railroad AML Lawsuits

In Railroad AML lawsuits, damages refer to the compensation that a plaintiff may be entitled to for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of developing acute myeloid leukemia due to toxic workplace exposure.

These cases aim to hold railroad employers accountable for negligence, particularly in failing to warn or protect workers from long-term benzene exposure.

Victims and their families may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of the illness and the impact it has had on their lives.

Common damages in Railroad AML lawsuits include:

  • Medical expenses related to diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and long-term care
  • Lost income due to missed work, job loss, or reduced earning potential
  • Pain and suffering caused by physical discomfort, invasive treatments, and emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium or impact on close relationships due to illness
  • Disability compensation for permanent impairments or inability to work
  • Funeral and burial costs in the event of a death caused by AML
  • Punitive damages in cases where the employer’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious

Gianaris Trial Lawyers: Railroad Cancer Attorneys

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after working in the railroad industry, Gianaris Trial Lawyers is prepared to help you seek justice.

Our legal team has investigated toxic exposures linked to benzene and other cancer-causing substances, and we understand the long-term toll these illnesses take on workers and their families.

Whether you are considering pursuing a benzene settlement for an AML diagnosis or exploring your legal rights under federal protections, we can guide you every step of the way.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free confidential consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation.

You deserve answers, accountability, and a legal team with experience in railroad cancer cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the different types of benzene exposure railroad workers may face?

    Railroad workers can encounter benzene in a variety of forms and settings, often without proper warning or protective equipment.

    Benzene is a highly volatile and carcinogenic compound that has been widely used across the railroad industry in fuels, solvents, and degreasers, many of which were essential to operations for decades.

    The following are common types of benzene exposure experienced by railroad workers:

    • Diesel Exhaust – Inhalation of benzene-laden fumes from idling locomotives, particularly in enclosed railyards or maintenance shops.
    • Degreasers and Industrial Solvents – Skin contact or inhalation of vapors from cleaning agents used on mechanical parts and railcars.
    • Fuel Handling – Direct exposure during the transfer, storage, or accidental spillage of diesel fuel and gasoline.
    • Tank Cars and Storage Facilities – Vapors from transported or stored benzene-containing chemicals in rail tankers or on-site storage tanks.
    • Contaminated Clothing and Equipment – Secondary exposure from tools, uniforms, and surfaces saturated with benzene-based products.
    • Track Maintenance and Construction Sites – Exposure through asphalt products, adhesives, and chemical mixtures used during rail infrastructure work.

    Each route of exposure contributes to cumulative risk and may significantly increase the likelihood of developing blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

  • How long after benzene exposure can symptoms of AML appear?

    The development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) following benzene exposure can take years, often making it difficult for workers to immediately connect their illness to their past railroad employment.

    Because AML results from genetic damage to bone marrow cells caused by prolonged or repeated toxic exposure, symptoms may not emerge until the disease has already progressed.

    Many railroad workers diagnosed with AML report symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, or unexplained bruising years after their last significant exposure, which is why thorough documentation and legal guidance are essential in pursuing a claim.

  • What types of evidence can help support a railroad AML lawsuit?

    To support a railroad acute myeloid leukemia (AML) lawsuit, claimants need strong, well-documented evidence linking their diagnosis to long-term toxic exposure, particularly to benzene and other cancer-causing chemicals used in railroad operations.

    This evidence can demonstrate how and where the exposure occurred, the duration and severity of contact, and the connection between occupational duties and medical outcomes.

    An experienced attorney can help gather, interpret, and preserve this documentation to build a compelling case.

    The following evidence is often essential in these claims:

    • Employment records – Proof of job roles, duties, and duration of employment within the railroad industry.
    • Workplace safety logs – Internal records, OSHA reports, or maintenance logs showing use of hazardous materials and chemical handling protocols.
    • Medical records – Documentation of AML diagnosis, test results, treatment plans, and physician notes.
    • Benzene-containing product documentation – Invoices, safety data sheets (SDS), or supply logs referencing benzene-containing chemicals.
    • Witness testimony – Statements from coworkers, supervisors, or medical professionals familiar with the workplace or diagnosis.
    • Expert testimony – Industrial hygienists or toxicologists who can link exposure pathways to AML development.
    • Photographic or video evidence – Visual proof of workplace conditions, PPE use (or lack thereof), and chemical storage or usage.
    • Environmental testing data – Air sampling reports or contamination surveys in rail yards, shops, or other railroad sites.
    • Union or grievance filings – Documentation of past exposure complaints or safety violations.
    • Death certificates (in wrongful death claims) – Establishing the cause of death and its relationship to chemical exposure.
  • How is railroad benzene exposure different from benzene found in consumer product recalls?

    While benzene contamination in consumer products like sunscreen sprays, Herbal Essences, and other household goods has gained public attention, the level and duration of exposure experienced by railroad workers is far more serious and sustained.

    Products containing benzene that are recalled in the media typically involve trace amounts found incidentally in aerosol sprays, sunscreen products, or shampoos, often used occasionally by consumers and discontinued quickly after public warning.

    In contrast, railroad workers have historically faced prolonged, daily exposure to high concentrations of benzene through industrial solvents, fuels, degreasers, and diesel exhaust, sometimes over decades without adequate protection.

    This extended exposure significantly increases the risk of developing serious illnesses, especially blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML), far beyond the risk posed by short-term or incidental contact with contaminated consumer products.

    The occupational setting and repeated exposure make railroad benzene exposure a far more dangerous and medically recognized pathway for benzene-related disease.

  • What makes filing a railroad AML lawsuit different from a typical personal injury claim?

    Filing a railroad-related AML lawsuit involves unique legal considerations because these cases often fall under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), not standard workers’ compensation systems.

    FELA requires the injured railroad worker to prove that their employer’s negligence played a role in their exposure to benzene or other harmful substances.

    This burden of proof, combined with the need to trace occupational exposure that may have occurred decades earlier, makes railroad AML claims more complex and evidence-intensive than typical injury lawsuits.

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Ted Gianaris

With nearly 30 years of legal experience, Attorney Ted Gianaris has secured over $350 million in compensation for Illinois injury victims, car accident victims, and surviving family members of wrongful death victims.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at Gianaris Trial Lawyers and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced Illinois injury lawyer, Ted Gianaris, you can do so here.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

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