Leukemia lawsuits have emerged as a major category of toxic exposure litigation in the United States, particularly in cases involving benzene, ethylene oxide, and contaminated water. Plaintiffs allege that long-term exposure to these carcinogens—often in workplaces, military bases, or residential areas—led to the development of leukemia and other blood cancers. While many cases are still pending, several landmark verdicts and settlements have shaped the legal landscape and offer insight into potential compensation.
This article highlights the top leukemia lawsuit settlement amounts nationwide, explains the factors that influence payouts, and offers guidance for victims considering legal action.
Largest Leukemia Lawsuit Settlements and Verdicts
$4.5 Million – Benzene Exposure (West Virginia, 2018)
A 41-year-old worker developed chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) after years of exposure to benzene and solvents at a chemical plant. The plaintiff alleged that manufacturers failed to warn about the risks and violated OSHA standards. The case settled for $4.5 million, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
$408 Million – Sterigenics Ethylene Oxide Settlement (Illinois, 2023)
Sterigenics and parent company Sotera Health agreed to pay $408 million to resolve 879 lawsuits involving ethylene oxide exposure from a sterilization facility in Willowbrook, Illinois. Many plaintiffs developed leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. The average payout was approximately $464,000 per person, with amounts varying by diagnosis severity.
$363 Million – Kamuda v. Sterigenics (Illinois, 2022)
A Cook County jury awarded $363 million to breast cancer survivor Susan Kamuda, including $325 million in punitive damages, after finding that Sterigenics knowingly exposed residents to ethylene oxide. While not a leukemia case, this verdict set the tone for subsequent settlements involving blood cancers.
$4.83 Million – Benzene Spill Class Action (Illinois, 2018)
Shell and ConocoPhillips paid $4.83 million to residents of Roxana, Illinois, after a refinery released over 200,000 pounds of benzene over 25 years. Plaintiffs alleged increased rates of leukemia and other cancers due to environmental exposure.
Camp Lejeune Leukemia Claims
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 opened the door for thousands of leukemia claims linked to contaminated water at the Marine Corps base in North Carolina. Settlement amounts vary based on diagnosis and exposure duration:
| Diagnosis | Exposure Duration | Estimated Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Leukemia | >5 years | $450,000 |
| Leukemia | 1–5 years | $300,000 |
| Leukemia | 30 days–1 year | $150,000 |
These figures apply to the Elective Option program and may differ for plaintiffs who pursue litigation in federal court.
Factors That Influence Leukemia Settlement Amounts
1. Type and Severity of Leukemia
Common types include:
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
More aggressive or treatment-resistant forms often result in higher compensation.
2. Exposure Source and Duration
Settlements are influenced by:
- Length of exposure (e.g., years vs. months)
- Type of chemical (e.g., benzene, ethylene oxide)
- Location (e.g., workplace, military base, residential area)
Long-term exposure with documented contamination typically yields higher payouts.
3. Medical Costs and Lost Income
Compensation may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Disability and life care planning
These economic damages form the foundation of most settlement calculations.
4. Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages cover:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on family relationships
Juries may award substantial amounts for these intangible losses.
5. Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or corporate misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future harm. These can dramatically increase total compensation.
Real-World Examples of Compensation
| Case Type | Settlement Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benzene workplace exposure | $4.5 million | CML diagnosis; OSHA violations |
| Ethylene oxide facility | $408 million total | 879 plaintiffs; average ~$464,000 each |
| Camp Lejeune leukemia claim | $150K–$450K | Based on exposure duration |
| Environmental spill (benzene) | $4.83 million | Class action; long-term exposure |
Final Thoughts
Leukemia lawsuit settlement amounts vary widely—from $150,000 to over $4 million—depending on the source of exposure, type of leukemia, and strength of evidence. Whether the case involves workplace chemicals, environmental contamination, or military base exposure, victims may be entitled to significant compensation.
If you or a loved one developed leukemia after exposure to benzene, ethylene oxide, or contaminated water, consult a qualified attorney to explore your legal options. With thousands of cases pending and new verdicts emerging, now is the time to act.
References
- Fitzsimmons Law Firm. (2018). $4.5 million settlement for worker who developed leukemia. https://www.fitzsimmonsfirm.com/blog/2018/september/-4-5-million-settlement-for-worker-who-developed/
- TruLaw. (2025). Sterigenics Willowbrook Lawsuit [2025 Update]. https://trulaw.com/ethylene-oxide-lawsuit/sterigenics-willowbrook-lawsuit/
- VetLaw. (2025). How much is the Camp Lejeune settlement per person? https://www.vet.law/blog/camp-lejeune-water-contamination-settlement-amounts/
- TorHoerman Law. (2025). Camp Lejeune Acute Myeloid Leukemia Lawsuit [2025 Update]. https://www.torhoermanlaw.com/camp-lejeune-water-contamination-lawsuit/camp-lejeune-acute-myeloid-leukemia-lawsuit/
- Mass Tort America. (2025). Camp Lejeune lawsuit payouts update 2025. https://masstortamerica.com/camp-lejeune-lawsuit-payouts-update-2025-payouts-per-person-expected-payment-dates-revealed/