Did you know that if you work at or live next to one of Louisiana’s many oil refineries or plants, you’re at high risk for exposure to a cancer-causing chemical, Benzene?
This toxic chemical can cause several life-threatening illnesses, including:
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Aplastic Anemia
How do you know if you’re at higher risk for exposure to this toxic chemical? Keep reading to learn more.
Where is Benzene Emitted in Louisiana?
Benzene is a highly-flammable chemical solvent. If you work or live near one of the following types of manufacturing complexes, it’s likely that you are at high risk for increased exposure to this chemical, in excess of the recommended exposure level set by the Environmental Protection Agency:
- Oil refinery
- Rubber plant
- Detergent plant
- Lubricant plant
- Pesticide plant
There are several locations in Louisiana that have these refineries and plants, where employees and those who live in neighboring communities are at risk for high exposure to Benzene. Many of these communities are located in the Metro New Orleans area, including Chalmette, Louisiana, which has an oil refinery that was found to be the eighth highest emitter of this deadly carcinogen.
How Do You Know if You’ve Been Exposed to Increased Levels of Benzene?
If you work in or live near one of the above-listed manufacturing sites, especially if you’re in Metro New Orleans, it’s possible you’ve been exposed to dangerous levels of Benzene. In addition to receiving a diagnosis of Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, or Aplastic Anemia, common warning signs that you’ve been exposed to dangerous levels of Benzene include:
- Feeling dizzy often
- Having a rapid heart rate
- Constantly having headaches
- Feeling of drowsiness
- Unexplained tremors
- Feeling confused
If you work in or live near one of the high risk areas for increased Benzene exposure, you need to see a doctor immediately to have your symptoms documented and to receive proper medical treatment for your health issues.
What Should You Do If You Become Sick from Benzene Exposure?
If you’ve become sick because of exposure to high levels of Benzene, Louisiana law allows you to sue the responsible party to get reimbursed for your previous, current and ongoing medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
The first, and most important thing you need to do if you’ve been exposed to high levels of Benzene and have developed one of the associated illnesses or are displaying symptoms of Benzene exposure is to seek medical treatment. Make sure you keep records of all your medical appointments and interventions, and follow your physician’s medical advice to a “T.”
Next, you need to find a Louisiana Benzene law firm to help you file a personal injury claim against the responsible party for your Benzene exposure-related illness or medical condition. You don’t want to go to just any personal injury attorney, though.
Benzene exposure lawsuits are complicated both in terms of legalities and the associated medical details. Most personal injury attorneys in Louisiana are unfamiliar with how to present a Benzene personal injury case.
Our law firm is different, though. We’ve represented several Louisianans who have become sick due to exposure to high levels of Benzene through no fault of their own. We have the experience and knowledge to put together a strong case for you, negotiate a settlement with the responsible party, and if necessary, take your Benzene lawsuit to court.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Your first step to filing a Louisiana Benzene lawsuit is to have a free consultation with our Metro New Orleans law firm. Though we’re based in New Orleans, we can represent injured parties who are located anywhere in Louisiana.
During your free consultation with us, we’ll listen to your story, ask about your Benzen-related health condition and the diagnoses and treatments you’re receiving, and help you determine if you have a strong case.
To schedule a free Louisiana Benzene lawsuit consultation with us, call our law firm today at (504) 299-1215.