Edith Atkins, the surviving spouse of Jack Atkins, has filed suit against Chevron USA, claiming the oil giant negligently exposed her husband to asbestos.
The suit was filed Oct. 20 in Jefferson County District Court.
Throughout his career, Jack Atkins was exposed to asbestos while employed as a general laborer for Gulf Oil, now known as Chevron, in Port Arthur.
"As a result of such exposure, [Jack] Atkins developed ... asbestosis and mesothelioma, for which he died a painful and terrible death on Aug. 14," the suit states. "Defendant knew for decades that asbestos-containing products could cause ... cancer and still allowed employees to with and around asbestos."
The suit accuses Chevron of acting with malice.
The plaintiff is suing for exemplary damages.
The plaintiff is represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Keith Hyde.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. D188-639
Widow files asbestos suit against Chevron
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