Body Shop Cancer Lawsuits
Auto mechanics work in high-risk environments where they are regularly exposed to toxic substances, dangerous equipment, and poor ventilation systems. Although many of these hazards are preventable, workers continue to suffer from serious injuries and long-term illnesses due to inadequate safety standards in repair shops and garages.
From daily contact with solvents and brake cleaners to inhaling exhaust fumes and asbestos dust, mechanics face constant chemical and respiratory threats that can lead to chronic diseases and even cancer. When employers fail to provide proper protective gear or maintain safe air systems, they may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Common Chemical Exposures in Auto Repair Shops
Mechanics frequently work with substances that contain benzene, toluene, hexane, lead, asbestos, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are commonly found in:
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Brake and carburetor cleaners
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Degreasers and rust removers
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Paints, adhesives, and coatings
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Gasoline and oil products
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Transmission and brake fluid
Automobile mechanics and technicians may be at greater risk of adverse health and safety outcomes than previously thought. Auto body shops have inherent risks in the heavy equipment used on the job, which presents serious occupational injury risk.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has outlined basic concerns and precautions regarding the industry. There is also the much-overlooked toxic exposure risk, caused by common industrial solvent products and chemicals regularly used on the job.
Auto Mechanic Injury Lawsuits have involved dangerous consumer products like Safety-Kleen and Liquid Wrench, two commonly used tools in auto shops, and known cancer-causing agents. Long-term exposure to chemicals like benzene may lead to severe respiratory disease or cancers like Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Catastrophic Injury Lawyer and Product Liability Attorney reviewing Auto Mechanic Injury cases for plaintiffs nationwide.
Following any workplace injury or accident, contact a legal professional to weigh your legal options and seek rightful compensation.
Legal Options for Injured or Exposed Mechanics
Auto mechanics who develop health problems tied to chemical exposure or unsafe work environments may be eligible for workers’ compensation, toxic tort claims, or product liability lawsuits.
A skilled toxic exposure attorney can help determine if negligence, defective products, or environmental violations contributed to the worker’s condition. Potential defendants in these cases may include:
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Employers or shop owners
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Chemical manufacturers
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Equipment suppliers
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Property owners
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics injury reports, auto mechanics and car technicians experience a great number of occupational injuries and illnesses each year. Auto mechanics and car technicians work with heavy tools and chemicals, placing them at a greater-than-average risk of a workplace accident. Mechanics risk the following types of injury:
- Being struck by objects and vehicles
- Being caught in between equipment or machinery
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Slips and falls—body shops are likely to have hazards due to spilled oil or gasoline, and tools and auto parts strewn across the shop floor.
- Toxic exposure and handling hazardous chemicals—Benzene, Safety-Kleen and Liquid Wrench
- Severe burns due to touching hot metal parts and burning fluids
- Eye Injury—workers should wear goggles or other eye protection in shops
- Amputation
- Respiratory disease due to Workplace Ventilation Risks
- Lacerations
Injured auto mechanics can file claims against negligent employers or dangerous product manufacturers following an occupational injury.
Victims of catastrophic injury or toxic exposure have filed successful lawsuits against the producers of Safety-Kleen and Liquid Wrench (which contain chemicals like Benzene), and have recovered compensation from employers who have failed to provide a safe working environment.
The Importance of Ventilation Safety
Proper ventilation is one of the most overlooked safety measures in auto repair environments. In enclosed garages, exhaust buildup can quickly reach dangerous levels, exposing workers to carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to maintain air quality standards through local exhaust ventilation systems, air filters, and adequate airflow designs. However, many smaller repair shops fail to comply with these standards, putting their employees at severe risk of respiratory illness and long-term lung damage.
Poor ventilation not only increases the likelihood of acute injuries—such as dizziness, headaches, and asphyxiation—but also contributes to chronic diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and occupational cancers.
Occupational Cancers Among Auto Mechanics
Studies have shown that auto mechanics experience higher rates of bladder, lung, and blood cancers compared to the general population. The carcinogenic exposure often stems from long-term inhalation of benzene, diesel exhaust, and asbestos fibers.
Mechanics working before the early 2000s were especially vulnerable, as asbestos was widely used in brake pads and clutches. Even today, legacy parts and contaminated dust may continue to expose workers.
Common cancers tied to the auto mechanic profession include:
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Mesothelioma (linked to asbestos)
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Lung cancer (linked to exhaust and particulate exposure)
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Leukemia (linked to benzene)
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Bladder cancer (linked to solvents and paints)
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 Hire The Lyon Firm?
The Lyon Firm has extensive experience handling occupational injury and toxic exposure lawsuits nationwide. The firm’s attorneys have represented numerous auto mechanics and industrial workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, asbestos, and other carcinogens.
With a strong background in environmental and workplace safety litigation, The Lyon Firm investigates every case with expert resources to identify the source of exposure and build a compelling claim. When you hire The Lyon Firm, you gain a team dedicated to:
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Investigating your exposure history
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Consulting medical and industrial hygiene experts
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Proving employer or manufacturer negligence
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Fighting for maximum compensation
