A medical affidavit has been submitted 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, 2011, 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 May 31 the medical affidavit of Danette Schultz, custodian of medical records for Gulf Coast Cardiology Group, was submitted.
Collins' attorney, John Werner of Reaud, Morgan and Quinn in Beaumont, filed the notice of affidavit.
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.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. D190-323