Keith Hyde
The family of Frederick Schultz mourned his death almost two years ago. They claim his former employer, Chicago Bridge & Iron Co., exposed him to asbestos, which ultimately caused him to die of mesothelioma.
Frederick's widow, Shirley, and their children Joyce, Debra and William, have filed a personal injury lawsuit against Chicago Bridge, Mobil Oil and Chemical Co., ExxonMobil Corp. and E.I. Dupont De Nemours & Co.
The plaintiffs filed their original petition with the Jefferson County District Court on June 4. Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.
According to the suit, Frederick was primarily employed with Chicago Bridge and "throughout the course of his work life he was employed in facilities in Jefferson County."
Working as a boilermaker and general contractor, "he used and was exposed to toxic materials including asbestos dust and fibers," the suit said. "As a result of such exposure, Fredrick developed an asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma, from which he died a painful and terrible death on Aug. 17, 2005."
The suit says the defendants acted with malice and negligence and failed to warn its workers of the dangers of asbestos and failed to take the necessary safety precautions.
"As a result of the aforementioned malice and gross neglect of the defendants, plaintiffs seek claims for all elements of damages allowable under the law, including exemplary damages and seek to recover from defendants an amount in excess of the jurisdictional limits of this court," the suit said.
The plaintiffs are represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Keith Hyde, and are demanding a trial by jury.
Case No. B179-433