Former Hartford, Illinois, Couple Seeks $1 Million in Benzene Suit

By Daniel Hawn

Published on January 12, 2007

The Vostrys are seeking damages in excess of $1 million in the first civil lawsuit of 2007 that seeks more than $50,000 in damages.

According to the suit, Courtney Vostry was exposed to benzene and other hazardous substances while she was a resident of Hartford between 1967 and 1983. In 2005, she was diagnosed with myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. The suit alleges that her myeloma is a direct and preventable result of chemical exposure, and that, as a result of her condition, she owes large sums in medical bills, suffers from physical and mental anguish, and is vulnerable to further medical problems.

Benzene has long been known as a carcinogen. Long-term exposure has been shown to result in leukemia, and there is evidence suggesting other negative effects on the bone marrow, including problems with blood cell production and the immune system. Short-term exposure also has serious effects up to and including death.

According to the Vostrys’ suit, the defendants, mostly chemical and oil companies in the Hartford area, failed to take adequate safety precautions or issue warnings to the community in spite of full knowledge of the dangers of their practices. The suit also alleges that the companies used benzene in spite of the existence of reasonable alternatives.

In Madison County, benzene cases have rarely gone to trial. They are usually settled out of court or dismissed.

Comment on this article →