Benzene exposure lawsuits are on the rise as consumers learn that this toxic chemical was identified long ago by the National Toxicology Program as a human carcinogen. Recent independent testing has revealed the presence of benzene in popular products like aerosol sunscreens and dry shampoos. If you or a loved one developed leukemia or another cancer after exposure, the experienced attorneys at Ferrer Poirot Feller can help you explore your legal options.
When a corporation’s negligence leads to a devastating cancer diagnosis, it is important to consult a personal injury lawyer experienced in toxic exposure cases. Based in Dallas, we represent clients across the country who have been harmed by dangerous products and unsafe workplaces.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we are committed to holding negligent companies accountable. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation, contact our team today at (888) 485-8844.
National Benzene Exposure Attorneys Fighting for Cancer Victims
Benzene exposure lawsuits often involve claims against major corporations, including manufacturers of consumer products and large industrial employers. These cases are both legally and scientifically complex, which is why they require a legal team with the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to handle toxic exposure claims with care and precision.
Since 1981, Ferrer Poirot Feller has been advocating for individuals who’ve developed life-threatening illnesses caused by unsafe workplaces and negligent corporate conduct. With decades of legal experience and deep knowledge of toxic exposure, our attorneys are committed to building strong, compelling cases for our clients.
We start with a confidential consultation to hear your story and understand your experience. We’ll discuss your work history, the products you used, the nature of your medical diagnosis, and the ways your illness has changed your daily life.
Once we have that foundation, our legal team begins a thorough investigation. We consult peer-reviewed scientific literature, analyze relevant safety standards, and use the legal discovery process to request internal records that could show negligence or efforts to hide the danger.
To support your case, we gather your complete medical records from the hospitals and doctors involved in your care, regardless of where you live. These records help us create a detailed timeline of your exposure, diagnosis, and treatment. We also work closely with a national network of medical and scientific professionals, such as toxicologists, oncologists, and industrial hygienists, who help connect your diagnosis to benzene exposure.
Our No Fee Guarantee allows you to pursue a legal claim without taking on financial risk. We advance the costs of investigation, expert analysis, and court filings, so you won’t face any upfront costs. You are only responsible for attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you. This structure lets you focus on your health while we focus on seeking justice on your behalf.
What Is Benzene? Health Risks and Cancer Links Explained
Benzene is a clear, sweet-smelling liquid that is highly flammable and commonly used in manufacturing. While it can be formed naturally through events like volcanic eruptions and forest fires, most human exposure comes from industrial sources.
Benzene is a key ingredient in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, detergents, dyes, and other materials. It is also commonly found in gasoline and cigarette smoke, both of which contribute to widespread environmental exposure.
The dangers of benzene have been clearly established by decades of scientific research. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has classified benzene as a known human carcinogen, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.
Once it enters the body, benzene can interfere with normal blood cell production by damaging bone marrow. This process increases the risk of developing serious conditions, including leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, which are forms of cancer that affect the blood and bone marrow.
If you have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or related illness after long-term exposure to benzene, either at work or through contaminated products, a personal injury lawyer at Ferrer Poirot Feller can help you understand your legal options. We are committed to holding negligent companies accountable and helping clients across the country seek the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
Benzene Exposure Lawsuits and the Risk of Cancer
Long-term exposure to benzene, even in small amounts, can lead to serious health problems. Decades of research confirm that benzene is linked to several forms of cancer and other blood-related disorders.
Types of Cancer Linked to Benzene Exposure
The most common conditions associated with benzene exposure include:
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A fast-growing cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. AML is most strongly associated with benzene exposure.
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): A group of disorders where bone marrow does not produce healthy blood cells. MDS may eventually progress into AML.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is essential for the body’s immune defense.
- Aplastic Anemia: A serious blood disorder in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough new cells. While not a cancer, it is a life-threatening condition also linked to benzene exposure.
A diagnosis of one of these illnesses following prolonged contact with benzene may be grounds for a legal claim.
Common Sources of Benzene Contamination and Exposure
While trace levels of benzene may be found in air pollution or car exhaust, the exposure most likely to cause harm usually comes from aerosol products or long-term occupational use.
Recent testing by Valisure uncovered dangerous levels of benzene in many household and personal care products. Benzene wasn’t added on purpose; it contaminated products through propellant ingredients like propane and butane.
This discovery has triggered product recalls and legal claims involving:
- Spray sunscreens
- Dry shampoos
- Deodorants and antiperspirants
- Antifungal sprays
These findings have led to an increase in benzene exposure lawsuits against product manufacturers for failing to protect consumer safety.
Workplace Exposure to Benzene and Occupational Hazards
Benzene exposure is also a long-standing concern in certain industries. In workplaces where the chemical is used or produced regularly, long-term exposure can result in cancer diagnoses years later.
Jobs at high risk of benzene exposure include:
- Oil and gas refinery workers
- Chemical plant operators
- Manufacturing and plastics workers
- Auto mechanics and degreasing technicians
- Firefighters exposed to burning synthetic materials
While many workplace exposures may be subject to workers’ compensation laws, there may be additional legal remedies in cases involving third-party negligence or gross employer misconduct.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets legal limits for safe benzene exposure in the workplace. When companies fail to meet these standards or do not provide personal protective equipment, they can be held liable for illnesses caused by that failure.
Legal Liability for Benzene-Related Cancer Diagnoses
Manufacturers of products that contain unsafe levels of benzene can be held liable under product liability law. When products are contaminated or when warnings are not clearly provided, the law allows injured consumers to file claims. These lawsuits often argue that the company failed to prevent contamination or failed to inform the public of known risks.
Employer Liability for Toxic Exposure in the Workplace
Employers in high-risk industries have a legal responsibility to protect workers from harmful chemical exposure. This includes testing air quality, supplying respirators and gloves, and training employees about chemical hazards. If a worker becomes seriously ill due to poor safety practices, the employer may be held liable for creating an unsafe work environment.
How We Investigate and Build a Benzene Cancer Claim
Pursuing a toxic exposure lawsuit is a detailed and challenging process that calls for both legal experience and scientific understanding. At our firm, we handle every step of your case with care, precision, and the support of a highly qualified team.
It all begins with a free, confidential consultation where you can speak openly about your experience. We will ask about your work history, the consumer products you may have used, and your medical diagnosis. These details help us determine whether you may have a valid claim related to benzene exposure.
If you choose to move forward with us, we will begin a thorough investigation into how you were exposed to benzene. Our legal team will work closely with you to create a comprehensive timeline of your product use or employment at high-risk job sites. We will also collect your full medical records to document the progression of your illness and to connect your diagnosis with known effects of benzene exposure.
Establishing a connection between your cancer and benzene exposure is one of the most critical aspects of your case. Our legal team works with a national network of experts in toxicology, oncology, and industrial hygiene to build this foundation. Toxicologists provide insight into how benzene affects the human body and contributes to long-term health complications.
Oncologists assess your medical diagnosis and evaluate whether it aligns with cancers commonly linked to benzene exposure. Industrial hygienists analyze workplace environments and safety practices to determine whether hazardous benzene levels were present and if proper protective measures were implemented.
In many recent cases involving contaminated consumer products, benzene exposure lawsuits have been grouped into what is known as a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). This legal process brings together similar claims before a single federal judge to streamline pretrial procedures.
Although grouped together for efficiency, each case remains unique and focused on the individual’s experience. Our firm has the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the MDL process while continuing to focus on the unique details of your case.
Compensation in a Benzene Exposure Lawsuit
A successful lawsuit can provide your family with the financial resources needed to cope with a devastating cancer diagnosis. You may be eligible to recover compensation for both your financial and personal losses.
Economic Damages for Financial Losses
Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for all of your measurable financial costs. This may include:
- The full cost of all past and future medical care, such as chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplants, and hospitalizations.
- Lost income from being unable to work during your treatment and recovery.
- The loss of future earning capacity if you are permanently disabled.
- Travel expenses for medical treatment and other out-of-pocket costs.
Non-Economic Damages for Personal Suffering
Non-economic damages compensate you for the profound, non-financial ways a cancer diagnosis has affected your life. This may include compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering from the illness and treatment.
- Mental anguish, including the fear, anxiety, and depression that accompany a cancer diagnosis.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- The loss of companionship and support for your family members.
In cases where a company acted with extreme negligence, it may also be possible to seek punitive damages, which are intended to punish the company for its misconduct.
Holding Corporations Accountable for Toxic Exposure
When you purchase a product off the shelf, you have a right to expect that it is safe. Similarly, when you report to work, you are entitled to a secure and hazard-free environment.
The presence of a known carcinogen like benzene in consumer goods and workplaces represents a serious breach of that fundamental trust. Filing a lawsuit serves as a vital tool to hold negligent corporations accountable and to demand the transparency and safety that every consumer and worker deserves.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller, our personal injury attorneys have been advocating for individuals harmed by corporate negligence since 1981. With decades of experience, substantial resources, and a proven track record, we are fully prepared to take on even the largest corporations in the world on behalf of our clients.
To schedule a free, no-obligation case review, call us today at (888) 485-8844 or complete our online contact form. You won’t owe us anything unless we win compensation on your behalf.