For nearly four decades, David Waldrep worked at Texaco Asphalt in Port Neches, where he claims he was needlessly exposed to benzene. Now deceased, Waldrep's widow claims his benzene exposure caused him to develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
His wife Judith Waldrep is suing Texaco, along with 38 other petroleum and chemical companies for negligently manufacturing and distributing benzene products. Her suit was filed on Feb. 7 in the Jefferson County District Court.
According to the plaintiffs' petition, the benzene products were placed into the stream of commerce by the chemical companies, exposing Waldrep to the "deadly" chemical, who worked as a painter and electrician for Texaco Asphalt from 1955 to 1993.
"The defendants sold … and produced toxic petroleum … in a defective and unreasonably dangerous condition," the suit said. "As a result of the breathing and ingestion into his body of these toxic and carcinogenic compounds, Waldrep sustained severe, permanent and deadly injuries in the form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma."
The suit continues by alleging the defendants:
The plaintiffs are suing for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, physical pain, disfigurement, loss of consortium and punitive damages.
The plaintiffs are demanding a trial by jury and are represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Darren Brown.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. D181-195