Oil companies sued after death of Port Arthur man

The family of a refinery worker is suing the man's former employer after he died from a disease allegedly related to chemical exposure at work. 

Clara Manganice, as surviving spouse of Fred Manganice, deceased, and Joan Hudspeth, Larry Manganice, Don Manganice and Fred Manganice Jr., surviving children of Fred Manganice, filed suit June 18 in Jefferson County District Court against Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Texaco Inc.

According to the complaint, Fred Maganice was employed by the defendants at their Port Arthur facility, where he was exposed to gasoline, benzene and other chemical products which resulted in Fred developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which he died from March 30. The plaintiffs allege that defendants knew for decades exposure to the chemicals could cause irreparable disease, but continue to allow their employees to use them in the workplace, the suit states.

The plaintiffs are seeking exemplary and punitive damages, plus costs. They are represented by Beaumont attorneys D'Juana Parks and J. Keith Hyde of Provost Umphrey Law Firm LLP.

Jefferson County District Court Case No. E195-808 This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in Jefferson County District Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt and it represents only one side of the story.