In February 2013, the widow of Ernest Lewis filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil and Mobil Oil Refining, claiming the companies negligently exposed him to the hazardous chemical benzene.
On Sept. 22 a joint motion for dismissal with prejudice was filed in the case, stating the settlement of the matter is solely for claims for the recovery of punitive damages.
As previously reported, Artie Lewis filed the suit Feb. 4, 2013, in Jefferson County District Court.
The lawsuit alleges that Ernest Lewis was employed by ExxonMobil, where he was exposed to benzene.
“As a result of such exposure, Ernest Lewis developed multiple myeloma from which he died a painful and terrible death on Oct. 10, 2012,” the suit states.
The suit also alleges the defendants knew for decades that benzene exposure caused blood disorders but still allowed employees to work with benzene products.
Artie Lewis was suing for exemplary/punitive damages.
Attorney J. Keith Hyde of the Beaumont law firm Provost Umphrey represents her.
Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. B193-888