SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

The Beaumont-based law firm Provost and Umphrey is representing a plaintiff exposed to benzene.

Carol Donnelly, the representative of the estate of the late John Donnelly, Jr., is suing E. I. DuPont De Nemours and Company for exposing Donnelly to benzene.

"As a result of such exposure, John developed multiple myeloma, from which he died a painful and anguishing death on July 25, 2006," the plaintiff's petition stated, which was filed with the Jefferson County District Court on March 29.

John worked at the Jefferson County DuPont facility since 1963.

Carol Donnelly brings this suit against the defendant as heir of John's body, the petition said.

"The defendant knew for decades that the chemical benzene could cause irreparable disease, but still allowed its employees to use and be exposed to toxic and cancerous benzene in the workplace," the petition stated.

"DuPont was grossly negligent for exposing John to benzene."

Carol Donnelly is demanding a trial by jury and seeks to recover an amount from the defendant in excess of the jurisdictional limits of the court.

Court assignment is pending