Chevron, Texaco dismissed from asbestos suit

Texaco and Chevron USA have been dismissed from an asbestos suit brought by the widow of Homer Fitts, who sued the companies alleging they negligently exposed him to asbestos throughout his career.

As previously reported, Eunice Fitts, on behalf of her late husband, filed the suit June 23, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court. 

On Oct. 14 the parties filed a joint motion for dismissal, court records show.

A week later, Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, granted the motion.

According to the lawsuit, Homer was employed by Texaco at its Port Arthur refinery, working as a pipefitter and painter – occupations which allegedly exposed him to asbestos dust and fibers.

“As a result of such exposure, Homer Fitts developed an asbestos-related disease, asbestosis and lung cancer, for which he died a painful and terrible death on March 10, 2010,” the suit states.

The suit alleged the defendants knew of the hazards of asbestos and still allowed their employees to work with asbestos products in the workplace.

The plaintiff was suing for exemplary damages.

Beaumont attorney Keith Hyde of Provost Umphrey represents her.

Case No. B190-403