Petition seeks testimony from mesothelioma patient

A petition to perpetuate the testimony of Ronald Decuir, a mesothelioma patient who alleges Texaco exposed him to asbestos during his employment, was recently filed.

Shirley Decuir, Ronald's wife, filed the petition on May 11 in Jefferson County District Court. Texaco is listed as a possible defendant.

The petition alleges Ronald Decuir's mesothelioma was the result of being exposed to asbestos-containing products during his employment with Texaco.

The petition does not give dates of Decuir's employment, but does state that he will most likely die from the disease and that a wrongful death suit will be filed alleging Texaco negligently caused his death.

"Petitioner's reasoning for desiring to perpetuate the testimony of Ronald Decuir is that his chances of recovering ... are poor," the suit states. "As a result, petitioner has good faith belief that a gross negligence, wrongful death lawsuit will be filed."

Beaumont attorney D'Juana Parks of the Provost & Umphrey Law Firm represents the petitioners.

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

Case No. D189-990