Feb. 7
PA � Darren Brown, J � Milton Shuffield
For nearly four decades, David Waldrep worked at Texaco Asphalt in Port Neches, "where 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.
The plaintiffs are suing for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, physical pain, disfigurement, loss of consortium and punitive damages.
Case No. D181-195
PA � Darren Brown, J � Donald Floyd
An independent contractor for various local refineries during the '60s and early '70s, John Thompson says he was negligently exposed to benzene � a chemical which he claims has caused him to develop leukemia.
John and his wife Carol Thompson have filed suit against Chevron U.S.A. and eight other chemical companies. Some of the other defendants named in the suit include Texaco, E.I. DuPont, ExxonMobil and Goodrich.
Case No. E181-199
Feb. 11
PA - Ben Dubose, J - Milton Shuffield
A Nederland housewife is suing DuPont and Union Carbide for more than $30 million. From 1957 to 1985 Frances Barras washed her husband's clothes, a refinery worker at the Beaumont DuPont facility. Presently, Barras suffers from an asbestos illness and claims her sickness stems from inhaling her husband's tainted clothes.
The suit names 10 different industrial companies as defendants.
The Barras family is suing for $15 million in compensatory damages and $15 million in punitive damages, plus past and future mental anguish, medical expenses and loss of services.
Case No. D181-204
Feb. 13
PA - Harold Eisenman, J � Bob Wortham
More than two years ago, Lee Rachal hurt his knee while serving on a vessel owned by Moran Towing of Texas, Inc. Claiming the vessel was unseaworthy, Rachal is suing the towing company. He is suing for past and future mental anguish and medical expenses.
Case No. A181-231
Feb. 14
PA - Hart Green, J - Donald Floyd
An auto mechanic tried to warn Mark Sandifer that his truck needed repairs. When his truck broke down, his insurance claim was denied because Sandifer failed to heed the mechanic's advice. Now, Sandifer has filed suit against E-7 Enterprises (Precision Tune Auto Care), claiming the mechanic misrepresented the condition of his truck and cost him his insurance claim.
He is suing for actual and punitive damages, plus mental anguish and court costs.
Case No. E181-250
Feb. 19
PA � Keith Hyde, J � Milton Shuffield
Enos Louviere, a former Texaco employee, died of leukemia last December. Now, his benefactor, Alma Louviere, is suing the oil company, which she claims negligently exposed him to benzene. The plaintiff is asserting claims for all elements of damages allowable under the law including exemplary damages.
Case No. D181-257
PA - Kenneth Lewis, J - Donald Floyd
Claiming she was taken for a motorcycle ride against her will, Carolyn Pattarozzi fell off the bike when the driver hit a curb. She is suing Kevin Simien, the driver of the motorcycle who she says abandoned her even though she was injured.
Case No. E181-262
PA - Kenneth Lewis, J - Gary Sanderson
Leslie Lee Sells, Jr. tripped over a handicap ramp while attending a church bazaar hosted by Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. Sells claims the church was negligent for failing to mark the ramp and has filed a $100,000 suit against the Diocese of Beaumont.
Case No. B181-263
PA � Giles Kibbe, J � Milton Shuffield
Acting as attorney in fact for William Ethridge, Ann Ethridge has filed suit against Healthsouth Rehabilitation Center � Beaumont, claiming William was allowed to fall from his bed and fracture his hip after he was deemed a fall risk.
The plaintiffs are suing for past and future medical expenses, pain, mental anguish, impairment and all court costs.
Case No. D181-266