Toxic Exposure Attorney
An aplastic anemia diagnosis brings fear and uncertainty into your life. When this rare blood disorder stems from workplace or environmental benzene exposure, you shouldn’t face the consequences alone. Companies that knowingly expose workers and communities to this dangerous chemical must answer for their negligence.
The Lyon Firm’s reputation for thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy makes companies take notice. We examine decades of corporate records, industry documents, and scientific literature to expose negligence. Our trial experience means we’re prepared to fight in court when settlement offers fall short of what you deserve. We treat every client with compassion and respect, keeping you informed throughout the legal process.
Investigating aplastic anemia cases related to benzene exposure
Workers across the nation exposed to benzene and other toxins at the workplace may be at increased risk of developing aplastic anemia, a condition that occurs when the body stops producing enough new blood cells.
Considered a relatively rare and serious condition, aplastic anemia affects patients with severe fatigue and at risk of serious infections and uncontrollable bleeding. The condition can develop slowly and may worsen over time, and may require blood transfusions, stem cell transplant, or a bone marrow transplant.
High-Risk Occupations and Exposure Sources
Workers in petroleum refineries face substantial benzene exposure risks during drilling, extraction, and refining operations. Chemical manufacturing employees handle benzene-containing compounds regularly. Auto mechanics encounter this toxin through gasoline, degreasers, and various automotive fluids. Painters and coating applicators work with products containing benzene derivatives.
Rubber manufacturing facilities historically used significant benzene quantities, exposing generations of workers. Steel production, printing operations, and laboratory work also create exposure opportunities. Some consumer products including certain adhesives, paint strippers, and cleaning agents contain benzene, creating residential exposure risks.
Industries in which workers are exposed to Benzene include:
- Roofers & Road Pavers
- Truckers transporting gasoline
- Auto mechanics
- Printers
- Oil refining
- Workplace Ventilation Risks
- Fertilizer and Pesticide
- Rubber & tire manufacturing
- Painting
- River Barge Workers (loaders and unloaders)
- Dry Cleaning
- Fracking
- Plumbing
Benzene Blood Disorders
Aplastic anemia can be mistaken for myelodysplastic syndrome, a related condition in which blood cells are deformed and underdeveloped. Patients may also have a disorder known as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and causes red blood cells to break down too soon.
Research by the National Cancer Institute has indicated that benzene exposure can cause a decrease in the production of healthy blood cells which may result in blood disease or cancer. Aplastic anemia can present with signs and symptoms that include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heart rate
- Frequent or complicated infections
- Unexplained bruising
- Prolonged bleeding
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Aplastic Anemia Linked to Benzene
The American Society of Hematology published a study on industrial benzene use and the association with blood disorders including macrocytic anemia, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia (AML). The study focused on workers at one diamond factory in India. Benzene was widely used in the factory and the workers were without any protective safety equipment.
Out of 37 workers working eight hour shifts in the closed room, eleven developed blood dyscrasia and aplastic anemia. One patient died during treatment. Workers in the U.S. have met the same fate in unsafe work environments. Negligent employers can be held responsible for toxic exposure.
Joe Lyon is an experienced Catastrophic Injury Lawyer and Toxic Tort Attorney investigating workplace exposure and filing lawsuits for injured plaintiffs nationwide.
Compensation Available to Victims
Benzene exposure victims diagnosed with aplastic anemia may pursue comprehensive damages. Medical expense recovery includes hospital stays, transfusions, medications, bone marrow transplants, and ongoing monitoring costs. Lost wages during treatment and reduced future earning capacity due to chronic health limitations qualify for compensation.
Pain and suffering damages address the physical discomfort of both the disease and treatment. Emotional distress from facing a life-threatening condition, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment in daily activities merit financial recovery. Family members may claim loss of companionship and support. Cases involving corporate knowledge of benzene dangers combined with deliberate safety shortcuts may justify punitive damages.
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
Why The Lyon Firm Is Your Best Choice for Benzene Litigation
The Lyon Firm possesses extensive experience handling complex benzene exposure cases involving aplastic anemia and other serious blood disorders. Our attorneys understand the intricate medical science underlying these claims and collaborate with renowned hematologists, toxicologists, and occupational health experts to build irrefutable cases.
We recognize that facing aplastic anemia creates overwhelming challenges. Our contingency fee structure means you invest nothing upfront and pay legal fees only when we recover compensation. This approach ensures everyone receives quality representation regardless of financial circumstances. You can concentrate on treatment while we handle every legal aspect of your case.
Proving Negligence in Aplastic Anemia Cases
Successful legal claims require demonstrating that defendants knew or should have known about benzene dangers yet failed to protect workers adequately. Evidence often shows that companies understood the risks for decades but prioritized profits over safety. Documentation of inadequate ventilation, missing protective equipment, insufficient training, or concealed health hazards strengthens claims significantly.
Occupational exposure records, air quality monitoring data, and material safety data sheets provide crucial evidence. Medical experts connect your aplastic anemia diagnosis to benzene exposure through employment history analysis and toxicological assessment. Witness testimony from coworkers describing workplace conditions and safety violations corroborates exposure claims.
