A cancer-causing gas emitted from the B. Braun plant in Hanover Township, Pa., is believed to have seriously sickened dozens of people — some fatally — who have lived, worked, and spent significant time near the plant.
Emissions of ethylene oxide, or EtO, a colorless gas produced by a chemical used to sterilize medical equipment, have been deemed a human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EtO has been linked to breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma, among other cancers.
Kline & Specter, a firm with more than 50 attorneys, five of whom are also medical doctors, has filed dozens of lawsuits on behalf of victims believed sickened by EtO emissions from the B. Braun plant, with many of those victims having died and many who are terminally ill. Those victims have contracted various forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and carcinomas of the head, neck, and throat.
If you feel that you or a loved one contracted cancer as a result of ethylene oxide emissions from the Hanover Township plant, you may also have grounds for a lawsuit.
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Our firm has won numerous verdicts and settlements in cancer lawsuits. We have more than 50 attorneys, five of whom are also medical doctors — the most in the nation — giving us the experience and expertise to quickly assess and then litigate cancer cases. Kline & Specter provides free case reviews.
An in-depth investigation by Kline & Specter has revealed that EtO emissions occurred at the plant since the 1980s and that residents of communities surrounding B. Braun’s facility in Hanover Township, located near Allentown, were found to be 200 times more likely to develop cancer than if they lived elsewhere.
Further, our investigation showed that B. Braun, based in Germany, was aware that EtO is dangerous and can cause cancer and yet did nothing to curtail the emissions or warn workers or nearby residents.
Among other things, the company at one point sent a letter to the Lehigh County Fire Department indicating that EtO used at its facility was toxic and carcinogenic. It also measured levels of EtO in the air around the plant but failed to save the test results or disclose them to the public. The company even hosted Christmas parties at the plant attended by staff and family, including children.
Among plaintiffs represented by Kline & Specter are three who have died due to cancer. Others have contracted breast cancer, brain cancer, blood cancer, and a form of urogynecologic cancer. The lawsuits seek punitive as well as compensatory damages against B. Braun.
In addition to filing the lawsuits, our firm has also filed a complaint with the EPA and requested that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection investigate the matter and order remediation.
According to news reports, the B. Braun plant has at times been the nation’s 12th largest polluter of ethylene oxide and the largest in Pennsylvania, putting 41,000 people who live near the plant at a greater risk of contracting cancer.
Below is evidence discovered by Kline & Specter attorneys of emissions from the B. Braun plant and the company’s knowledge of the dangers posed:
- EPA Management Alert advising that prompt action was needed to inform residents living near ethylene oxide-emitting facilities about health concerns and actions to address those concerns.
- Testimony of B. Braun's Chief Executive Officer, Caroll Neubauer, confirming that B. Braun hosted annual holiday parties in the facility with parents and children while knowing that the plant was emitting dangerous ethylene oxide.
- Testimony of B. Braun's Chief Executive Officer, Caroll Neubauer, confirming that B. Braun did not consider the residents living near the facility while the plant was emitting dangerous ethylene oxide.
- Testimony of B. Braun's Chief Executive Officer, Caroll Neubauer, confirming that B. Braun did not agree with the EPA’s classification of the dangerous ethylene oxide.
- Testimony of B. Braun's Engineering and Maintenance Supervisor, Matthew Thomas that he measured the levels of ethylene oxide but did not disclose the results.
- Testimony of B. Braun's Environmental, Health Safety, and Security Manager, Eric Geder, confirming that B. Braun emitted tons of ethylene oxide after learning it was a human carcinogen.
Kline & Specter In The News
- Verdict in Illinois case could have implications for suits against B. Braun, Lehigh Valley Regional News WFMZ-TV 69News, 9/21/22
- Specter comments on B Braun's new website claims, WFMZ 69, 9/21/21
- Specter criticizes B Braun Medical motion to dismiss EtO lawsuits, Law360, 6/25/21
- Specter files suit for 16 over cancer-causing plant emissions, WFMZ-TV, The Morning Call, Law360 lehighvalleylive.com, 5/5/21
Health Risks of Ethylene Oxide Exposure
In addition to a range of cancers, exposure to ethylene oxide poses several serious health risks, including the following.
Respiratory System Effects
Inhalation of EtO can lead to:
- Irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs.
- Short-term exposure can cause coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
- Chronic exposure can result in pulmonary edema and lung function decline.
Neurological Symptoms
Acute and prolonged exposure to EtO may cause neurological problems, including:
- Headaches.
- Nausea and dizziness.
- Peripheral neuropathy (symptoms include tingling, numbness, and limb weakness).
Reproductive and Developmental Effects
EtO exposure is linked to:
- An increased chance of miscarriages and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Genetic damage leading to congenital disabilities in offspring.
- Impaired fertility in both men and women.
Legal Process for Filing a Cancer Lawsuit Against B. Braun
Filing a cancer lawsuit, especially for cases related to environmental exposure (e.g., toxic chemicals like ethylene oxide) or defective products, involves several steps. Here's a general breakdown of the process:
Consult an Experienced Attorney
The first step is to seek a lawyer specializing in toxic exposure, product liability, or personal injury lawsuits.
A qualified attorney can:
- Evaluate the details of your case.
- Determine liability (e.g., a manufacturer, employer, or facility).
- Discuss legal options like individual lawsuits or mass tort/class action lawsuits.
Determine Eligibility
To file a lawsuit, you must show:
- That exposure occurred: Provide evidence linking exposure to the harmful substance (e.g., ethylene oxide).
- Causation: Your cancer diagnosis is likely due to exposure or negligence.
- Damages: You experienced financial, emotional, or physical harm.
Gather Evidence
A strong case requires solid evidence. Your attorney will help collect:
- Medical records: Diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis.
- Exposure history: Workplace records, environmental reports, or usage of products.
- Witness testimonies: Statements from coworkers, residents, or family members.
- Expert opinions: Medical and scientific experts to link cancer to exposure.
- Financial documentation: Proof of lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.
Filing a Complaint
Your attorney drafts and files a complaint in the appropriate court.
The complaint outlines:
- The defendant: This is the party being sued.
- The allegations: Negligence, failure to warn, or wrongful conduct.
- The damages sought: Compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of wages, etc.
Defendant's Response
After the complaint is filed, the defendant has a set time (usually 30 days) to respond. They may either admit or deny claims and file a motion to dismiss.
Discovery Phase
Both sides will exchange evidence and information to build their cases.
This includes:
- Depositions: Sworn statements from witnesses and experts.
- Interrogatories: These are written questions answered under oath.
- Document requests: Medical reports, work records, and testing data.
Negotiation and Settlement
Many cancer lawsuits are resolved through settlements before reaching trial. Your attorney will negotiate for the maximum compensation. If a fair agreement isn’t reached, the case proceeds to trial.
Trial
At trial, both sides will present arguments, evidence, and witnesses.
A judge or jury will determine liability — whether the defendant is responsible — and damages — the compensation amount awarded. If the outcome is unfavorable, you or the defendant may file an appeal.
Contact an Attorney Today
Do you suspect that you or a loved one has contracted cancer because of ethylene oxide emissions from the Hanover Township plant?
Reach out to Kline & Specter to find out if you have a valid legal claim. Call us at 215-772-1000 or submit our online form.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Our attorneys handle cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. We also work with local attorneys for cases outside those states.