The family of a Groves refinery worker claim he contracted an asbestos-related disease after being exposed to toxic products at work and has filed suit against the man's former employer.
Forrest Collier worked for Gulf Oil Corp. in Port Arthur, later known as Chevron, where he was exposed to toxic materials including asbestos dust and asbestos fibers, according to the complaint his wife, Amanda Elizabeth Collier, and his four children filed Jan. 20 in Jefferson County District Court.
Because of the exposure, Forrest Collier developed an asbestos-related disease and died "a painful and terrible death" on June 28, the suit states.
Chevron knew the products contained asbestos, but still allowed their employees to work around the products, Amanda Elizabeth Collier claims.
Chevron also failed to warn workers of the dangers of asbestos and failed to take necessary precautions to ensure its workers were not exposed to asbestos-containing products, according to the complaint.
Amanda Elizabeth Collier and Forrest Collier's children are seeking unspecified exemplary and punitive damages, plus interest, court costs and other relief to which they may be entitled.
J. Keith Hyde and D'Juana Parks of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont will be representing them.
The case has been assigned to Judge Bob Wortham of the 58th District Court.
Case No. A183-079