Hyde
The widow of a refinery worker claims her late husband was frequently and negligently exposed to asbestos fibers throughout his career.
Representing the estate of Wilbert Theriot, Lillian Theriot filed suit against Texaco and Chevron USA on Aug. 12 in Jefferson County District Court.
Court papers show that "throughout the course of his work life" Theriot was employed by Texaco working at its Jefferson County facilities, during which he was allegedly exposed to asbestos.
The suit does not give dates of employment.
"As a result of such exposure, Theriot developed an asbestos-related disease, pulmonary asbestosis and lung cancer, from which he died a painful and terrible death on Sept. 5, 2008," the suit states.
"The defendants knew for decades that asbestos ... could cause cancer and still allowed their employees ... to work around asbestos products in the workplace."
The suit accuses the defendants of acting with malice and negligence by not warning employees of the dangers and taking the necessary precautions to avoid exposure.
The plaintiff is seeking exemplary damages.
She is represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Keith Hyde.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. A187-541