Family blames Goodyear for man's fatal lung cancer

The family of a Vidor man is suing over claims his fatal lung cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos fibers in the workplace.

Joycelyn Franks, surviving spouse of Edward Franks, deceased, and their two daughters filed a lawsuit Sept. 29 in Jefferson County District Court against The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., citing gross negligence.

According to the complaint, Edward Franks was employed by Goodyear in Jefferson County, where he was exposed to toxic materials, including asbestos dust and fibers, which caused his lung cancer and subsequent death Nov. 27, 2013. The complaint states Goodyear knew for decades that asbestos exposure could cause cancer, yet still allowed its employees to work around the toxic material. The defendant is accused of gross negligence in failing to warn its employees of the danger or take the necessary precautions to prevent Franks and other employees from being exposed to asbestos.

Joycelyn Franks seeks punitive and exemplary damages and costs of court.

She is represented by attorneys J. Keith Hyde and D'Juana Parks of Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont.

Jefferson County District Court case number: A-196165