SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Woman claims company refused to reimburse her for loss of use of van

A Jefferson County woman claims she has lost the use of her van after an unexpected chemical release contaminated it, requiring her to leave it at the premises where the release occurred.

Vickie Rayon filed a lawsuit June 7 in Jefferson County District Court against E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.

In her complaint, Rayon claims she was working as a locksmith at du Pont’s Beaumont facility on Nov. 3, 2011. Suddenly, she was subjected to an unexpected release of a chemical called Anilene.

Anilene is a colorless, oily, poisonous benzene derivative used in the manufacture of rubber, dyes, resins, pharmaceuticals and varnishes.

According to the suit, the chemical contaminated her 2002 Ford van and its contents, rendering the vehicle unsafe for her further use.

Du Pont requested that Rayon leave her vehicle and its contents at its premise

s. In turn, it promised to reimburse her for the loss of her vehicle, the suit states.

Since then, however, du Pont has refused to reimburse Rayon for the losses she incurred, the complaint says. In fact, she says her van was further damaged when a car crashed into its passenger side while it sat on du Pont’s premises.

Rayon relies on her vehicle and its tools for her business. Because she has been denied its use, she claims she has lost income.

In her complaint, Rayon seeks an unspecified judgment, plus interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Gordon D. Friesz of McPherson, Hughes, Bradley, Wimberley, Steele and Chatelain in Port Arthur will be representing her.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136^th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. D194-425