The family of a recently deceased refinery worker claims the man's death was due to exposure to benzene and other carcinogens throughout his career with Texaco.
Joyce Granger, Karen Wells, Denise Murff, Debra Sims and Ronald Granger filed a lawsuit April 21 in Jefferson County District Court against the company.
The plaintiffs claim that while their father and husband, Willie Granger, worked for Texaco, he was exposed to benzene and toxic benzene-containing products. Because of his exposure to the substance, Willie Granger developed acute myeloid leukemia syndrome from which he died on Oct. 28, according to the complaint.
The plaintiffs blame Texaco for a number of negligent acts, such as allowing Willie Granger to work around the substance when Texaco knew of its hazards, exposing Willie Granger to benzene, failing to timely and adequately warn Willie Granger of the dangers of benzene exposure and failing to take proper precautions to ensure that Willie Granger was not exposed to benzene.
The plaintiffs are seeking exemplary and punitive damages, plus interest, costs and other relief to which they may be entitled.
Darrell L. Brown of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont will be representing them.
The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172th District Court.
Jefferson County District Court case number: E186-651.
Family blames man's death on benzene exposure
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