Did you know that the toxic effects of benzene exposure can
show up as late as 29 years after the first exposure?
Clearly, the health risks of occupational or other benzene
exposure are grave. Benzene, classified as a "Class A"
carcinogen by the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA), is
an extremely harmful chemical that is responsible for
diseases such as Hodgkin's disease, various respiratory and
skin disorders, and even leukemia.
Though benzene has a strong odor, it is clear and
colorless. It is contained primarily in paints, solvents
and dyes, and occupational risk is greater in the oil and
petroleum industry, where benzene is used in refineries.
Exposure to benzene is also possible in printing presses
and the paper and pulp industries.
Public and Private Benzene Claims Collect Big Compensation
Dollars
If you have been injured by benzene exposure, take heart -
benzene litigation is a growing field and has resulted in
several multi-million dollar lawsuits in recent years. The
biggest civil settlement ever in Arizona history was in a
benzene case in which Unocal (Union Oil of California)
agreed to pay $675,000 for benzene groundwater
contamination in Tempe, Arizona.
In December 2001, Exxon-Mobil was ordered to pay $8.2
million in civil penalties and additional monetary damages
due to benzene groundwater pollution in New York City.
But cities and states have not been the only beneficiaries
of large benzene settlements - individuals have also made
inroads into compensation for benzene exposure and injury.
The largest settlements have gone to the families of
victims who died of benzene-related illnesses. For example,
Mobil was forced to pay over $6 million to the family of a
68-year-old man who died of benzene-related leukemia.
Don't Wait Too Long to Pursue Your Benzene Claim
If you have been stricken with a benzene-related illness or
injury, don't wait until you are on your death bed to
collect your rightful damages and compensation for toxic
benzene exposure. Contacting an experienced
benzene/environmental toxin litigator can help give you
access to the compensation you deserve. Compensation which
can help defray the medical bills and pain and suffering
associated with benzene and its many toxic effects.
Clearly, no amount of money can ever restore health or make
up for the years of suffering experienced at the hands of
occupational or other benzene exposure, but pursuing a
benzene claim can have more than monetary benefits. It can
convince companies to be more responsible about the sale
and promotion of products containing the toxic carcinogen
benzene.
Remember to seek medical attention immediately if you are
suffering from benzene exposure.
The short- and long-term effects of benzene can be
devastating to your health and your family's security, so
don't put off that doctor's visit if you suspect your
recent health troubles are due to benzene poisoning.
Unfortunately, benzene's effects are insidious and often
hard to detect. It's up to you to seek appropriate medical
attention and, if possible, pursue your benzene-related
claim with a competent and experienced legal advisor.
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