A November trial has been slated 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.
A docket control order was entered in the case on April 17, setting the mediation deadline for September 2013, court papers say.
If a settlement is not reached, the case will be tried sometime in November 2013.
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.
Collins is represented by attorney John Werner of Reaud, Morgan and Quinn in Beaumont.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. D190-323
Fall trial slated in chemical exposure case against Valero
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