What is Benzene?

Benzene is a chemical compound that is commonly used in a wide range of industrial and manufacturing processes. Though many people have heard the term before, they are often unaware of exactly how common benzene exposure can be, particularly for workers in certain industries throughout New Jersey. Benzene is highly flammable, evaporates quickly into the air, and is found naturally in crude oil and gasoline. It is also used in the production of various commercial and industrial products. Generally speaking, benzene may be found in or associated with the following:

• Gasoline
• Paints
• Solvents
• Adhesives
• Rubber manufacturing
• Chemical production
• Industrial cleaners
• Printing operations
• Petroleum refining
• Vehicle exhaust

What Are the Impacts of Long-Term Benzene Exposure?

One of the most concerning aspects of benzene exposure is that the effects are often not immediate, and, unfortunately, in many cases, individuals work around benzene for years before developing symptoms, and even then, they may not initially realize that their medical condition is connected to workplace or environmental exposure.

Long-term benzene exposure has been associated with several serious blood-related illnesses and other medical complications, because benzene can interfere with the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells and may damage bone marrow over time. Some conditions commonly linked to benzene exposure include the following:

• Leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Aplastic anemia
• Bone marrow disorders
• Immune system suppression

Individuals suffering from benzene-related illnesses may experience symptoms such as the following:

• Chronic fatigue
• Weakness
• Frequent infections
• Excessive bruising
• Bleeding issues
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss

Who is Most Likely to Be Exposed to Benzene?

Though anyone can potentially come into contact with benzene, certain occupations carry significantly higher risks than others. New Jersey has a long industrial history, and because of this, many workers throughout Essex County and surrounding areas may have faced prolonged benzene exposure during the course of their employment. Workers who are commonly exposed to benzene may include the following:

• Refinery workers
• Factory employees
• Mechanics
• Gas station attendants
• Construction workers
• Truck drivers
• Railroad employees
• Painters
• Chemical plant workers
• Laboratory workers
• Industrial cleaners
• Firefighters

Benzene exposure most commonly occurs through inhalation, though direct skin contact may also occur in some work environments. Sometimes, workers may unknowingly carry benzene residue home on their clothing, tools, or equipment, thereby potentially exposing family members as well. If you believe you may have been exposed to benzene, some of the most important information you can begin gathering includes:

• Your employment history
• The products or chemicals you worked around
• Medical records regarding your diagnosis
• Any safety warnings or lack thereof
• Information regarding protective equipment provided
• Statements from coworkers or supervisors
• Documentation regarding workplace conditions

Can I File a Benzene Exposure Injury Claim?

As long as you can prove that you have developed a serious illness as a direct result of prolonged benzene exposure, you should have the right to pursue compensation. The type of claim you file, however, will depend largely on the circumstances of your individual case. For example, some people may file workers’ compensation claims through their employers, while others may file direct lawsuits against third parties, such as manufacturers, chemical companies, or property owners. A benzene exposure claim may allege that a company or other party:

• Failed to warn workers about known dangers
• Failed to provide proper protective equipment
• Violated workplace safety regulations
• Improperly handled hazardous chemicals
• Manufactured unsafe products
• Failed to adequately monitor contamination risks

Depending on the circumstances, compensation in a benzene exposure case may include damages pertaining to the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical treatment
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Wrongful death damages

What is the Statute of Limitations for Benzene Exposure Claims in NJ?

Generally speaking, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is two years. However, benzene exposure claims and other toxic tort cases are often more complicated because the illnesses associated with exposure may not appear immediately.

Under what is commonly referred to as the “discovery rule,” the statute of limitations may begin running when an individual discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, that his or her illness is connected to benzene exposure. This is important because many workers are exposed to benzene for years before receiving a diagnosis.

For example, an individual may have worked around benzene in the early 2000s, but may not develop leukemia or another serious illness until much later. In certain cases, the connection between the illness and chemical exposure is not discovered until after extensive medical testing or consultation with specialists.

Contact an Essex County Benzene Exposure Lawyer

Here at Berliner, Cohen, Accardi & Grossman, LLC, we have spent decades fighting for victims of benzene exposure here in Essex County and throughout the state of New Jersey. If you’re someone who has been harmed by long-term benzene exposure, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyer from our legal team today so we can discuss your case and begin building a comprehensive strategy going forward. Our consultations are free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by simply reaching out.