Benzene Safety
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"Man Claims Benzene is the Cause of Leukemia" September 20, 2007 A man who is now in debt due to the $1.6 million racked up in medical bills, is blaming his exposure to benzene for his illness. The previous firefighter believes that due to his exposure to benzene while working, he acquired cancer and has been paying both physically and financially ever since. Exposure At Work Guy Roper, 34, a lieutenant in Palm Beach battled leukemia for 18 months and believes the harmful chemical, benzene, brought on the illness. “I have no doubt about that,” says Roper, “I don't have much cancer history in my family.” State Law Doesn't Cover Bills Although heart-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure and heart attacks suffered by firefighters are covered by the state, medical bills associated with cancer are not. State bills that are backed by members of Palm Beach County's legislative delegation require firefighter's to pay for their own cancer treatment, no matter what the cause. Senators Step Up However, after hearing about Roper's benzene exposure while on the job and his immense medical bills, two-area lawmaker's are going to attempt to pass a bill next year that will cover cancer for firefighters, as well as other illnesses. Senator Jeff Atwater and Representative Gayle Harrell claim that firefighters are often unaware of the chemicals they are being exposed to inside a burning building and for this reason, it's unfair to make them use their health insurance to pay for treatments of illnesses that develop as the result of their profession. (Source: Palm Beach Post) Do you know someone you has become sick due to benzene exposure? If so, please contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who will enable you and your loved ones to receive compensation. To learn more about benzene exposure and benzene laws, contact a Benzene Attorney. |