George Frauenberger's widow and son are suing Texaco, claiming the company negligently exposed Frauenberger, a former Texaco employee, to benzene and caused his fatal leukemia.
Edna and George Frauenberger filed suit against Texaco and Chevron U.S.A. with the Jefferson County District Court on Dec. 6.
According to the plaintiffs' petition, Frauenberger was exposed to benzene and benzene-containing material during his employment at various Texaco and Chevron facilities in Jefferson County.
"As a result of such exposure, George Frauenberger developed Myelodysplastic Syndrome, from which he died a painful and terrible death on July 6, 2007," the suit said. "The defendants knew for decades that the chemical benzene could cause irreparable disease, but still allowed their employees…to use toxic and cancerous benzene in the workplace."
The suit continues by saying Texaco and Chevron failed to take necessary precautions and provide adequate training to ensure that Frauenberger was not exposed to the chemical.
"Plaintiffs seek claims for all elements of damages allowable under the law including exemplary damages and seek to recover from the Defendants, an amount in excess of the jurisdictional limits of this court," the suit said. "Further, Plaintiffs seek a claim for prejudgment interest for all elements allowed them."
The plaintiffs are demanding a trial by jury and are represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Keith Hyde.
The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd Judicial District.
Case No. E180-864