Louisiana Benzene Law & Attorney
Landry & Swarr
Many people have heard of asbestos and the deadly side effects of asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma. However, you may not know that toxic exposure to a toxic chemical called benzene can have similar effects.
If you or a loved one believes you may have had chemical exposure to a toxic chemical, they need to speak with a personal injury law firm for legal advice. As New Orleans Benzene legal experts, we recommend you contact the Louisiana Benzene Attorneys at Landry & Swarr today for a free consultation and case evaluation. As personal injury lawyers who specialize in benzene exposure cases, we are here to offer you a free case evaluation. In certain scenarios, the victims of benzene exposure are legally entitled to compensation for a range of damages including their suffering and loss of wages.
What is Benzene and Why is it Considered a Toxic Chemical?
Originally manufactured from coal tar, benzene is a highly-flammable chemical solvent used in the manufacturing of many common products such as rubber, detergent, lubricants, drugs, and pesticides. It is also found naturally in volcanoes, crude oil, and fossil fuels, among other sources.
Benzene is one of the top 20 most commonly-used chemicals in the United States and is a colorless liquid with a sweet-smelling odor. It dissolves slightly in water and evaporates quickly.
Dangerous effects of benzene exposure
The negative effects of benzene consumption and exposure have been noted since the late 1800s, and by the 1960’s it was established that benzene was responsible for several fatal illnesses. Environmental law sets optimal levels of Benzene exposure to maintain safety, however many areas in Louisiana state exceed those limitations.
Some of the fatal illnesses that can develop as a result of long-term benzene exposure include:
- Aplastic anemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which affects your blood cells
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), which affects your bone marrow
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), which affects your bone marrow
These diseases often do not show symptoms immediately as they are a result of the long-term effects of benzene on your blood cells.
Additional immediate symptoms of exposure to Benzene may include:
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Tremors
- Confusion
If you are concerned you may have been exposed to benzene, these symptoms may indicate that you should be checked by a medical professional for benzene exposure. If you have worked in any of the following industries, you may be at an increased risk of developing a serious illness due to benzene exposure.
Louisiana industries with high instances of benzene exposure
Louisiana, and especially Metro New Orleans, has an abundance of industries and jobs in fields like the oil and petroleum sectors where toxic chemicals can be prevalent in the workplace.
Industries where benzene exposure is more common:
- Petroleum processing
- Paint and varnish production
- Waste management
- Rubber processing
- Solvent production
- Adhesive production
- Auto mechanic
- Laboratory technician
- Hauling and tank cleaning
- De-greasing operations
- Gasoline production
- Pesticide production
- Detergent production
If you have worked in any of these industries in Louisiana state and have experienced symptoms of either immediate benzene exposure or long-term chemical exposure, you should seek medical treatment.
Initially, your physician may look at your patient history and symptoms, followed by an X-ray, CT, or CAT scan, MRI, and eventually a biopsy if symptoms indicate that these tests are necessary. Correct identification of both the cause of your illness and the illness itself will allow you to find the best treatment necessary for your medical condition. Additionally, if you have certain diseases resulting from benzene exposure, you may qualify for compensation under the local and federal laws.
Where in Louisiana Are You at High Risk for Benzene Exposure?
Benzene exposure is higher in states that border the Gulf of Mexico, especially right here in Louisiana. If you live near a refinery or plant in New Orleans, Metairie, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, or another part of Louisiana state, you. might be at a higher risk of toxic exposure to benzene, which can cause certain forms of cancer and be fatal. While we may be Benzene exposure lawyers based in New Orleans, we are able to help all Louisiana state victims of benzene exposure with their personal injury cases.
How Can Louisiana Benzene Lawyers Help Me File a Personal Injury Toxic Tort?
If you have been exposed to benzene and have developed one of the serious diseases listed above as a result, or if you think this might be the situation for you or a loved one, don’t take chances with other personal injury attorneys who do not have direct experience in this area of the law or with filling toxic torts.
We are a local, New Orleans, Louisiana based firm serving local families, as well as all families throughout Louisiana state who’ve experienced chemical exposure to benzene. At Landry & Swarr, our staff has the experience necessary to ensure that you are compensated for the losses you have suffered as a result of this irresponsible chemical exposure by your employer or other site managers.
Don’t Wait – Contact us Today
If you or someone you love has been exposed to benzene and become ill as a result, call Landry & Swarr today for a free case review. We work hard to build a strong, attorney-client relationship that you can trust. The sooner you call our phone number, the sooner our team can begin building your case and helping you to receive the compensation you are entitled to under the law.