Defendant company makes discovery request in benzene suit

McKesson Corp. has submitted its first set of discovery to plaintiff Claude Villemez, who claims he was exposed to benzene while working as an electrician.

As previously reported, Villemez filed suit against Chevron USA and several other companies on Jan. 12 in Jefferson County District Court, alleging the defendants negligently exposed him to benzene despite being aware of the dangers.

Court records show that McKesson was later added as a defendant.

On Sept. 14 the company submitted its first set of discovery, requiring that Villemez respond to its request for admissions, interrogatories and production.

"Plaintiff is required to answer each of the interrogatories, fully and separately in writing under oath," the document states.

Court records show that throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Villemez worked as an electrician and "was regularly exposed to benzene and benzene containing products."

"As a result of such exposure, Claude Villemez developed a serious blood disorder," the suit states.

Villemez is seeking damages for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages.

Beaumont attorney Keith Hyde of the Provost Umphrey law firm represents him.

McKesson is represented by attorney Robert Scott of the Houston law firm Blank Rome.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. A189-155