Jefferson County resident Julie Smith has filed a petition to perpetuate the testimony of Daryl Smith, who allegedly suffers from a benzene-related disease.
The petition was filed Nov. 26 in Jefferson County District Court. The anticipated defendants in the pending suit are Union Oil Company of California, ExxonMobil, Mobil Oil, Bridgestone Americas, Firestone Polymers, Sunoco, E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Chevron USA.
The petition states Smith was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which “is expected to progress” and prove fatal.
The companies have or will soon be notified that a wrongful death suit will be initiated against them. The substance of testimony sought is his employment and benzene exposure history.
The petition requests the court authorize his deposition.
Provost Umphrey attorney Keith Hyde of Beaumont represents the petitioner.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. E193-636
Man’s deposition, history of benzene exposure sought
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