News from 2007
Fittz sues 16 companies for asbestos exposure
Between the years of 1964 to 1985 Louie Fittz claims he worked at several area refineries. Now residing in Deweyville, Fittz says he was recently diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and is suing the American Optical Corp., along with 15 other companies, for "negligently exposing him to asbestos," while "fraudulently concealing" the mineral's latent dangers.
Benzene blamed for lab tech's lymphoma
Darren Brown For nearly 40 years Paul Strother worked at a B.F. Goodrich Co. laboratory as a technician. 23 years after he retired, Strother died of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Blaming his benefactor's death on "needless benzene exposure," J. Frances Strother is suing Shell Oil and 24 other major chemical companies.
Smoker dies of lung cancer, children sue for asbestos exposure
From 1946 until 1955 Floyd Williams Sr. worked as a pipe fitter at the Port Arthur Texaco refinery. Five decades later he died of lung cancer. Williams' descendants claim their father was negligently exposed to asbestos during those nine years and are suing his former employer.
The "strain" of buckling up leads to firefighter's injury suit
1996 Dodge Ram Firefighter Herman Barber says having to buckle up has done him more harm than good. He claims the "strain" of repeatedly putting on his seatbelt has caused him physical impairment, mental anguish and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Blevins keeps asbestos suits rolling
Busy trying a million dollar asbestos case in Judge Sanderson's 60th District Court, Provost Umphrey attorney Brian Blevins still finds time to dig up fresh asbestos lawsuits.
Blevins files Snowden asbestos case
Provost Umphrey attorney Brian Blevins is no stranger to the Jefferson County courthouse, filing his third asbestos lawsuit in two weeks while trying an asbestos case in Judge Gary Sanderson's 60th Judicial Court.
Man sues BASF for crushed finger
Kevin Brown's left index finger was crushed when an "improperly" welded kick plate came loose. Now short one pointing finger, Brown is suing the BASF Chemical Corporation for negligence and premise liability.
Suit says manufacturers conspired to distribute asbestos products
Thurman Cash is suing A.W. Chesterton, along with 70 other companies, for conspiring to mine, process, sell and distribute asbestos products, suppressing the information pertaining to the fiber's hazardous influence on human health, and purposely inflicting him with an asbestos disease.
Arbitrator from PA orders O'Quinn to refund $35 million to clients
John O'Quinn An arbitration panel that includes a Jefferson County native has ordered prominent Houston plaintiff lawyer John O'Quinn to refund at least $35.7 million to more than 3,000 former clients.
Expert: Only a 'crystal ball' could have predicted dangers of asbestos
Were Mobil Oil's actions to protect refinery workers and their families from asbestos reasonable in light of what the company knew during the 1930s, '40s, '50s and early '60s time period?
172nd Court District, August Hearings: Judge Floyd
172nd Court District
Self-serve
We all feel incredible sympathy for 23 year-old Eva Rowe, who famously lost both her parents in a 2005 explosion at a British Petroleum (BP) oil refinery in Texas City.
BBB hosts lunch seminar next month
The Better Business of Southeast Texas will present a "Lunch & Learn" training seminar for business leaders in August.
Unpaid hurricane claim leads to suit against Allstate
After Hurricane Rita ripped the siding of Russell and Amy Gils' home, Allstate compromised with the couple and agreed to replace a portion of the house's siding. However, when the couple submitted their $16,500 policy claim, Allstate, through one of its adjusters, denied the claim.
Nederland woman says Windstorm Association caused her emotional distress
A Nederland woman is taking the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to court for emotional distress and other damages over her claim for Hurricane Rita damage.
Testimony continues in asbestos trial
An asbestos expert and industrial hygienist says oil refinery pipefitters were not exposed to enough asbestos to develop asbestosis, as testimony continued this week in the multimillion dollar trial in Judge Gary Sanderson's 60th District Court.
This Just In
Recent civil filings in Jefferson County District Courts, July 12-19
Chamber to hold roaring fundraiser
The Beaumont Chamber Foundation will host its annual fundraiser with a night back to the Roaring '20s. Spice of the Season "Spicy Night at the Ritz" will be held at 6:30 p.m July 26 at the Beaumont Country Club.
Unfinished home repairs lead to lawsuit
Jason Cansler After Hurricane Rita ravaged her home, Sandra Girard hired Gary and Nancy Robbins to repair her property, "paying them a substantial sum" upfront. To this day, the repairs remain unfinished.
Judge's decision pending on VX waste shipments
Environmental groups opposing the incineration of nerve gas wastewater at a local facility are now waiting for a federal judge to decide if the U.S. Army must permanently stop the shipments to Port Arthur.