Discovery unfolding in suit against ExxonMobil over flash-fire burns

Last October, the Southeast Texas Record reported that Mark Feltman, an electrician, sued ExxonMobil, claiming the oil company negligently allowed a flash fire to consume the area where he was working.

A year later, ExxonMobil filed a certificate of written discovery on Oct. 13, court records show.

The certificate states that plaintiff's counsel was served with ExxonMobil's supplemental responses and request for disclosure.

Feltman filed his suit Oct. 25, 2010, in Jefferson County District Court.

Court records show that on Aug. 12 Feltman was working as an electrician at ExxonMobil's Beaumont refinery when he was severely burned by a flash fire. He was flown to John Sealy Hospital for treatment.

The suit does not state how the fire started but does accuses ExxonMobil of negligently failing to provide Feltman with a safe place to work and of failing to inspect and maintain its premises.

Because of the incident, Feltman is suing for past and future mental anguish, pain, medical expenses and lost wages.

Provost Umphrey attorney Darren Brown is representing him.

Beaumont attorney George Bean represents ExxonMobil.

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

Case No. A188-677