Keith Hyde
A widow has filed a benzene suit against Chevron USA, convinced the company who wrote her husband's paychecks also killed him.
Beth Golding, a Winnie resident, filed her suit on the late Eddie Golding's behalf May 30 in the Jefferson County District Court. Her children are also plaintiffs in the suit.
According to the plaintiff's petition, sometime ago Eddie Golding was employed by Gulf Oil (now known as Chevron) in Jefferson County. Allegedly, during his employment he used and was exposed to "toxic" benzene. As a result, "Golding developed leukemia from which he died a painful and terrible death on April 25, 2008,"the suit claims.
They suit does not give any details regarding Golding's employment with Chevron such as dates or length of service.
"The Defendant knew for decades that said toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, including benzene and benzene-containing products could cause deadly blood conditions and cancers and still allowed their employees, such as Eddie Golding to work with and around such products ...," the suit says.
"The Defendant failed to take the necessary engineering, safety, industrial hygiene and other precautions and provide adequate warning and training to ensure that the deceased was not exposed to … benzene."
The suit goes on to accuse Chevron of acting with gross negligence and malice, which entitles the Golding family to recover exemplary and punitive damages for their benefactor's death.
The plaintiffs are demanding a trial by jury and are represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Keith Hyde.
The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th Judicial District.
Case No. B181-829