Ducote
In September 2010, Port Arthur resident Marlon Frazier filed suit against BASF Fina Petrochemicals and Total Petrochemicals, alleging they should have equipped their facilities with a "slip-proof staircase."
After more than two years of litigation, the case has been slated for a May trial.
Court records show that the case was originally slated to go to trial in February, but an agreed discovery control plan order filed Aug. 26 bumped the case to the May docket.
According to the plaintiff's original petition, on Jan. 12, 2010, Frazier was working at the companies' Port Arthur facilities when he "slipped and fell on an iron staircase that was not slip proof or otherwise made safe."
"As a result, Frazier seriously injured his knee," the suit states. "This could have been prevented had the defendants remedied the dangerous condition."
Frazier is suing for his alleged mental anguish, impairment, pain, lost wages and medical expenses.
Beaumont attorney Dan Ducote Jr. of the Moore Landrey law firm is representing him.
Germer Gertz attorney Karen Bennett of Beaumont represents the defendants.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is presiding over the case.
Case No. E188-400