Ric’s story: “How my work increased my risk of developing cancer”

Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. It occurs when healthy plasma cells become abnormal cells that multiply and produce abnormal antibodies. This change starts a cascade of medical issues and conditions that can affect your bones, your kidneys and your body’s ability to make healthy red and white blood cells and platelets.

It is estimated that over 2,600 Australians are diagnosed with multiple myeloma each year. Tragically, the chance of surviving multiple myeloma for at least five years from diagnosis is just 55%.

March is multiple myeloma awareness month, an international initiative aimed at raising awareness around the causes and symptoms of multiple myeloma to help save lives through better prevention measures, earlier detection and more effective courses of treatment.

Causes of multiple myeloma

Research shows that there is an increased risk of multiple myeloma in certain occupations. This is due to the occupational exposure to aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. These chemicals play a role in the causation of multiple myeloma.

Ric’s story

63-year-old Ricardo Perna worked as a facilities maintenance worker and manager at Leica Biosystems for approximately 10 years. Leica Biosystems develops and supplies clinical diagnostics to the pathology market, which pathologists use to assist with diagnosing diseases and cancers.

In a twist of tragic irony, Ric had no idea that his work with Leica Biosystems was exposing him to Xylene, a solvent that has been shown to increase the risk of blood cancers in humans, including multiple myeloma.

Ric began to feel bone pain and fatigue in 2021. After a series of tests, Ric was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He immediately underwent chemotherapy. In July 2022, he underwent a bone marrow transfer.

Ric got in touch with us for advice, and we helped him navigate the legal process and obtain compensation for his medical expenses and the pain and suffering caused by his condition.

Being able to demonstrate the link between his work and his illness, we knew Ric could be eligible for compensation. However, the fight for Ric was not easy. His workers’ compensation claim was initially rejected and hard-fought by the WorkCover insurer. We challenged this decision in the County Court of Victoria, which ultimately led to the insurer accepting Ric’s claim for medical and like expenses and a lump sum payment.

Unfortunately, Ric is still waiting for his weekly payment determination from the insurer months after the settlement of his WorkCover claim. We will continue to fight and work diligently for Ric to ensure that he receives the compensation he is entitled to under the WorkCover legislation.

No one should find themselves in Ric’s situation where their work has increased their risk of developing multiple myeloma. That’s why we’re committed to raising awareness around work-related risk factors and advocating for clients who are suffering from work-related diseases to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

Ric’s story demonstrates the importance of holding the WorkCover insurer to account. Ric developed a terminal condition in the course of his employment.  If he had not challenged the decision to reject his claim, he would not have received a lump sum for his pain and suffering or his medical bills paid for.

Ric hopes that sharing his story will help raise awareness about workplace exposures and multiple myeloma. He also believes that by telling his story, he can highlight the importance of seeking legal advice and support when navigating the complex claims process and the decisions made by case managers and insurers.

What should you do if you are concerned about your workplace exposure?

If you have worked somewhere with exposure to solvents and are concerned you might be at risk of developing multiple myeloma, see your GP. It is important that you also inform them of your occupation and exposure levels, so they have all the information.

Your GP can guide you on the need for ongoing monitoring, depending on your specific circumstances.

If you have been diagnosed with a condition you believe could be related to your work exposure, it is essential to get legal advice to help you understand your rights and options.