April 7
PA � Williams, J � Susan Criss
Clyde and Robbie Dempsey of Pasadena are suing Union Carbide and dozens of other companies, alleging that years of asbestos exposure led to the man's malignant pulmonary cancer.
The suit alleges the defendants committed negligence, misrepresentation and conspiracy in subjecting Clyde Dempsey to asbestos and related products while he performed commercial and industrial plumbing and pipefitting work throughout Texas for more than 25 years.
The suit also contends "as a direct and proximate result of Defendants' negligence, Mr. Dempsey has sustained a multitude of severe and incapacitating injuries."
The Dempseys seek malice and exemplary damages and the suit states they will continue litigation in the event of Clyde Dempsey's death.
Case No. 08CV0345
April 14
PA � Howard Steele, J � Lonnie Cox
Jack A. Demack of Galveston is suing Valero Energy Corporation for unfair termination, arguing that management failed to investigate episodes of sexual harassment reportedly against him.
According to the plaintiff, he was forced to endure sexual comments from colleagues regarding his wife and daughter. Demack eventually sought intervention from his superiors, but claims his grievances were met with the threat of discharge.
Valero eventually discharged Demack in March that same year. He then pursued legal action on grounds the motives behind his dismissal are in violation of the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.
Case No. 08CV0371
April 16
PA � Aaron DeLuca, J � Wayne Mallia
Virginia resident Larry Hacker and his wife Leslie have filed suit against 3M and several other companies alleging they are responsible for Hacker's deteriorating health. The suit alleges that the companies, including Union Carbide and Phillips Electronics, knowingly exposed Hacker to asbestos and asbestos-containing products during his career as a boiler technician and maintenance man.
The couple also contends that "Larry Wilbur Hacker was unaware of the hazards and defects in the asbestos-containing products of the Defendants, which made them unsafe for purposes of manipulation and installation," explains the suit.
They are seeking reimbursement for Larry Wilbur Hacker's medical expenses, lost earnings, and net accumulations in addition to punitive and exemplary damages.
Case No. 08CV0383