Benzene

Attorneys Helping Victims of Defective Consumer Products Pursue Compensation

Benzene, a chemical compound made from carbon and hydrogen, has allegedly been linked to a substantial number of injuries and deaths, especially for people who were exposed to the hydrocarbon in the workplace (such as people who work around crude oil, plastics, or gasoline). According to some allegations, leukemia and other blood cancers are among the possible health conditions that may be linked to benzene. The Grand Rapids and Traverse City benzene injury lawyers at the Neumann Law Group are dedicated to helping injured people in Michigan seek fair compensation for harm caused by benzene and other defective consumer products.

People who have been hurt by a defective or unreasonably dangerous product may be able to recover damages for their losses, such as the costs of medical care and lost earnings. Compensation for pain and suffering and loss of consortium may also be available. Punitive damages, while rare, are a possibility in cases in which the court finds that the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious (more than just negligent). As in other civil cases, the plaintiff has the burden of proving his or her case by a preponderance of the evidence. The mere fact that the plaintiff suffered injuries because of a product sold or made by the defendant is not, in and of itself, enough to prove a case of product liability. Even when a plaintiff has some evidence to support a claim of a design defect, a manufacturing defect, a failure to warn, or a breach of warranty, the defendant may mount a specific defense, such as misuse of the product or negligence by a third party that broke the chain of causation. A skilled benzene injury attorney in Grand Rapids or Traverse City can help you try to thwart any arguments that a defendant raises.

Assert Your Right to Compensation for Benzene Injuries

Benzene can cause many medical problems. In addition to being a possible carcinogen, there have been allegations that benzene can act as a blood poison or a bone marrow depressant and may cause anemia, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and other serious, potentially life-threatening health problems. If exposure to benzene results in someone’s death, his or her surviving family members may be able to assert a claim for wrongful death. In such a case, funeral and burial costs and other compensation may be sought by those left behind.

For people who were exposed to benzene in the workplace, a Grand Rapids or Traverse City benzene injury attorney can assist with exploring possible legal remedies beyond a product liability action. Depending upon the circumstances, a worker might be able to seek payment of medical and disability benefits through workers’ compensation, a Jones Act claim, or a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) action. An attorney who regularly handles benzene-related personal injury and wrongful death cases can review a client’s particular situation and advise him or her on an appropriate course of action. Different deadlines may apply to the various types of claims mentioned above, so it is very important to act promptly in asserting your legal rights following a benzene-related injury.

Discuss Your Potential Options With a Knowledgeable Attorney

Product liability lawsuits can be extremely complex, often involving multiple defendants and several different theories of legal liability. Getting the earliest start possible can be helpful not only in avoiding potential procedural pitfalls (such as not filing a timely claim under the statute of limitations) but also in mounting a strong case against a manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, or other defendant. The experienced injury lawyers at the Neumann Law Group handle many types of product liability lawsuits, and we welcome the opportunity to serve your legal needs. For an appointment with a benzene injury lawyer in Traverse City or Grand Rapids, call us at (800) 525-6386 or contact us online. We serve people in Ann Arbor, Flint, Lansing, Muskegon, Midland, Holland, Kalamazoo, Detroit, Wyoming, Saginaw, Warren, Petoskey, and communities throughout the Upper Peninsula. We also handle cases arising from defective medical devices and dangerous drugs.