Discovery is now underway in litigation brought by Derrick Collins, who claims his work as a firewatch for Valero caused him to be exposed to hydrogen sulfide, resulting in serious personal injuries.
Collins filed a lawsuit June 21 in Jefferson County District Court against Echo Maintenance, The Premcor Refining Group, doing business as Valero Port Arthur Refinery, and Texas Mutual Insurance Co.
Court records show that on Oct. 18 Collins filed his first supplemental response to the defendants' request for disclosure, signaling that discovery is now proceeding in the case.
According to the lawsuit, Collins claims he was exposed to and inhaled hydrogen sulfide and other toxic substances during his work as a firewatch on Feb. 28.
Collins is suing for his lost earnings and his earning capacity, experienced pain, suffering, physical impairment and physical disfigurement and lost his ability to enjoy life because of his exposure, according to the complaint.
John Werner of Reaud, Morgan and Quinn in Beaumont represents him.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. D190-323
Plaintiff responds to defendant's discovery request in chemical exposure case
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