14 companies named in refinery worker's suit over asbestos exposure

Fourteen companies have been named in a lawsuit alleging a refinery worker developed a malignant disease after his exposure to asbestos.

According to the suit filed Oct. 8 in Jefferson County District Court, Richard G. Richard Sr. worked for Gulf Oil in Port Arthur from 1952 until the 1970s, where he claims he was exposed to asbestos and asbestos containing products and materials.

Richard states he developed an asbestos-related disease and has experienced physical pain, suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, disfigurement. physical impairment and incurred medical bills, the complaint says.

Because of Richard G. Richard Sr.'s disease, Delores L. Richard says she lost her husband's care, maintenance, services, support, advice, counsel and consortium and suffered mental anguish.

The defendants are Chevron USA, Able Supply Co., AMF Inc., B&B Engineering & Supply, Cleaver Brooks, Crown Cork & Seal, Foster Wheeler Corp., Guard-Line Inc., Met Life, 3M, Riley Power, Triplex Inc., Vogt Power International and Zurn Industries.

The defending companies negligently failed to test their products prior to their entrance into the stream of commerce and sold products that were unreasonably dangerous, the suit states.

They also failed to adequately warn of the dangers of asbestos exposure and failed to provide adequate protection to Richard R. Richard Sr., the complaint says.

The Richards are seeking general, special, punitive and exemplary damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

Tina H. Bradley of Hobson and Bradley in Beaumont will be representing them.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: B185-573