Jones Act suit filed for asbestos exposure

Former Seaman Edgar Taylor has filed a Jones Act asbestos suit against Amoco Shipping, where he worked in the 1940s.

The suit was filed in the Jefferson County District Court on June 25.

According to the plaintiff's petition, in 1945, Taylor was employed by BP Amoco Chemical Company and BP Products North America Inc. (Amoco Shipping) as a seaman and member of the crew.

"Plaintiff would show that while the Plaintiff was working aboard the said vessels, he was exposed to asbestos dust and/or fibers. Further, Plaintiff would show that he sustained severe and permanent personal injuries from said exposure," the suit says.

Taylor faults Amoco for failing to provide a safe place to work and failing to warn him of the highly harmful nature of asbestos dust and fibers.

The Defendant's � breach of warranties and acts of negligence (have caused) injury to the Plaintiff's health," the suit says.

"Plaintiff has suffered a loss of wages, that he was unable to continue in his employment as a seaman, due to his medical condition, an employment that he had been engaged in for many years, and he was unable to engage in any gainful activity, and his earning capacity had been greatly and forever permanently diminished and impaired."

Taylor is also suing for mental anguish and medical expenses, plus attorneys' fees.

He is represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Colin Moore.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th Judicial District.

Case No. D181-960