Pretrial is set for Friday in a benzene suit brought by a Groves man who sued more than 80 companies for allegedly causing his lymphoma.
As previously reported, Leo Foreman and his wife filed a lawsuit Oct. 14, 2010, in Jefferson County District Court against Chevron and 80 other companies.
Court records show that a docket call filed in the case has rescheduled pretrial from Nov. 16 to Nov. 9.
The case is slated for a December trial.
Following a July 24 mediation conference, most of the defendants in the case settled, court papers say.
Eastman Chemical Co., a remaining defendant, filed a motion to compel settlement information on Aug. 23, seeking to uncover the amount of the settlements.
According to the original petition, Foreman worked on industrial refinery and chemical plant facilities at Texaco, DuPont Beaumont Works, Gulf Oil and Arco Polymers in Port Arthur and Port Neches beginning in the 1970s. Throughout Foreman’s employment, he became exposed to carcinogenic benzene and benzene-containing products.
Because of his exposure to the products, Foreman developed the lymphoma and experienced physical pain, suffering and mental anguish; lost wages and his earning capacity; and suffered physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of society and loss of consortium, the suit states.
The Foremans seek damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits, plus interest and other relief the court deems just.
Darren Brown of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont represents them.
Attorney Robert Scott of the Houston law firm Blank Rome represents Eastman.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. A188-612
Benzene suit set for pretrial Friday
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