Jefferson County resident Russell Theis has filed a petition to perpetuate the testimony of Edmund Theis, who suffers from a benzene-related blood disorder.
Through Provost Umphrey attorney Keith Hyde, the petition was filed June 17 in Jefferson County District Court. The anticipated defendant in the pending suit is Chevron.
The petition does not state how Russell and Edmund are related.
According to the petition, Edmund was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia,
a benzene-related blood disorder, which "is expected to progress" and prove fatal.
The paper does not say when he was diagnosed.
The petition says Chevron has been notified that Edmund's condition was the result of benzene exposure and that the plaintiff will institute a wrongful death lawsuit.
The petition requests the court authorize Edmund's deposition.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. D190-312