Suit blames Chevron's negligence for man's injury

A man who has already received workers' compensation benefits has filed suit against a local refinery for an injury he says he sustained at work.

Jacob Williamson claims he was working for Venturi Staffing Partners at defendant Chevron U.S.A. on June 25, 2008, in Port Arthur.

While working at Chevron, Williamson sustained severe, permanent and disabling injuires, although he does not specify how they occurred, according to the complaint filed April 12 in Jefferson County District Court.

Because of the incident, Williamson incurred medical costs, experienced physical pain and suffering, sustained mental anguish, lost earnings and endured physical impairment, the suit states.

He blames Chevron for causing his injuries, saying the company failed to inspect the premises to discover a dangerous condition, failed to correct the dangerous condition, failed to provide Williamson with a safe place to work, failed to warn Williamson that he should take extra care because of the condition and allowed a filter machine to be in an unsafe area.

Although Williamson has already received workers' compensation benefits, he claims the suit will benefit his employer's workers' compensation carrier.

"In fact had this suit not been brought, the insurance carrier would have surely lost any right to recover any of its funds expended upon Plaintiff herein," the complaint says.

Williamson is seeking a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

B. Adam Terrell of Weller, Green, Toups and Terrell in Beaumont will be representing him.

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

Jefferson County District Court case number: D186-531.