Arkansas Benzene Exposure Injury + Death Attorney

Benzene is a chemical that is used in a wide variety of products that we utilize in our everyday life. However, many people are not aware of the dangers that benzene can pose in large quantities. People that work in industries where benzene is used frequently are at a greater risk than the general public. If you or a family member was injured or passed away due to benzene overexposure, contact an experienced Arkansas benzene overexposure attorney today.

The Kieklak Law Firm is here to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve if you were overexposed to benzene at the workplace. Our firm understands the fear and uncertainty of an issue like benzene overexposure, and we are here for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your legal options, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 316-0438, or contact us online.

Common Uses of Benzene

Benzene is a clear and flammable chemical that possesses a sweet scent. It is created through natural means by events like forest fires or volcano activity. Additionally, when benzene makes contact with the air, it quickly evaporates.

Benzene has several different uses and is one of the most used chemicals by manufacturing companies in the United States. Benzene is typically mixed with other chemicals in order to create products that we often use. For example, benzene is typically used in the production of detergent, which many of us utilize at least once a week. Benzene can even be released through cigarette smoke. Other uses of benzene include:

• Manufacturing of plastics
• Creation of tires and other rubber products
• Production of drugs
• An ingredient in pesticides
• An industrial solvent

The primary way that a person is exposed to benzene is by inhaling air that contaminated with benzene as it quickly evaporates. Another possibility is that a person is exposed to benzene through direct contact like being splashed with gasoline.

The greatest exposure to benzene occurs when a person is employed in an industry that frequently uses benzene. As mentioned, these industries include chemical plants, oil refineries, and steelworkers. It is also important to note that employees at gas stations and firefighters are at a higher risk of being overexposed to benzene.

While the general public is often exposed to benzene, the level of exposure rarely compares to the amount that workers in an industry that use benzene face. To learn more about the injuries and illnesses caused by benzene overexposure, continue reading and speak with an experienced Fayetteville benzene exposure attorney.

Injuries and Illnesses Caused by Benzene Overexposure

Based on various studies by the American Cancer Society and other health organizations, benzene is a carcinogen that can cause a person to develop cancer. Specifically, many people who were overexposed to benzene suffer from leukemia and other similar forms of cancer.

Leukemia is a cancer that usually affects a person’s white blood cells. However, some forms of leukemia will attack other types of blood cells. Forms of leukemia that have been tied to benzene overexposure include:

• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Childhood leukemia

There are other types of injuries and conditions that can result from benzene overexposure. For example, overexposure could cause a person to develop anemia. Anemia is a condition that causes a person to have a low red blood cell count, which will make a person feel consistently exhausted or quick to tire.

A low white blood cell count is another issue that may arise from benzene overexposure. When a person’s white blood cell count is low, their ability to fight off infections decreases and they are more prone to become seriously ill. For example, catching a simple cold can progress to more deadly illnesses. Other conditions that can be caused by overexposure to benzene include:

• Convulsions
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting
• Tremors

If you were overexposed to benzene at the workplace, your employer or another party could be held liable for your injuries. Employers are obligated to take steps to ensure their facility does not overexpose employees to high levels of benzene. If an employer fails to uphold this duty, they may be liable for the injuries or death of an employee.

Whether you are considering filing a worker’s compensation claim for your injuries or filing a wrongful death claim against an employer that caused your loved one’s death, we are here for you.

Work with Our Experienced Arkansas Benzene Overexposure Attorney Today

If you or a family member suffered a severe injury due to benzene overexposure, contact an experienced Arkansas benzene injury lawyer today. Injury lawyer Ken Kieklak possesses decades of legal experience, and he would be proud to represent you in your benzene overexposure case. To schedule a free consultation, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 316-0438.