A known carcinogen, benzene is a colorless liquid found in air, water and soil. Also known as benzol, benzene comes from both natural and man-made sources. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), benzene ranks in the top 20 in the United States for production of chemicals. Man-made benzene is widely used to produce plastics, resins, rubber, lubricants, detergents, pesticides, nylon and other synthetic materials. In addition to being present in industrial emissions, benzene has been found in at least 1,000 hazardous waste sites and is present in crude oil, gasoline, motor vehicle emissions and cigarette smoke.

While all Americans are regularly exposed to small amounts of benzene, individuals living near hazardous waste sites, certain industrial and manufacturing plants and gas stations may be exposed to more hazardous levels of benzene. Workers employed in industries that make or use benzene are exposed to the most dangerous levels of the chemical. The ATSDR has reported that as many as 238,000 U.S. workers may be exposed to benzene. Dangerous occupational exposure may occur in the petrochemical, coal and coke, tire, steel, printing, transportation and leather industries, among many others.

Benzene exposure can cause a variety of symptoms including drowsiness, dizziness, heart rhythm disturbances, confusion, unconsciousness and even death. When ingested, benzene can cause vomiting and stomach irritation, drowsiness, convulsions, coma and death. Contact with the skin may cause redness and sores. Long-term exposure to benzene can harm blood cell formation, damaging bone marrow and causing anemia, excessive bleeding and leukemia.

If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from a benzene-related health condition, it is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our skilled trial lawyers can help you secure all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This may include compensation for pain and suffering, financial loss, emotional distress and past, current and future medical expenses. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing. Our dedicated attorneys can also help you deal with your insurance company, as well as the insurer of the other party or parties. The insurance companies have lawyers working hard to minimize their payouts; you need a lawyer who will work just as hard for you.

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to helping our clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey obtain the best possible recovery as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.