A Silsbee woman is suing several manufacturers and sellers of benzene-containing solvent products, alleging the wrongful death of her husband.
Deborah Fear, individually and as representative of the estate of deceased Ronald Fear, filed a lawsuit Nov. 5 in Jefferson County District Court against Berryman Products, Radiator Specialty Company, United States Steel Corporation, Safety-Kleen Systems and CRC Industries, alleging negligence, gross negligence, strict liability and wrongful death.
According to the complaint, Ronald Fear worked as an industrial and automotive mechanic from approximately 1965 to 2011 in and around Beaumont, during which time he was exposed to dangerous levels of benzene from benzene-containing solvent products manufactured and sold by the defendants. The suit alleges Ronald Fear was not aware of the detrimental effects of these products.
As a result, the suit says, he developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), multiple related adverse blood and bone marrow effects, cellular abnormalities, anemia, genotoxic effects, plus resultant DNA and chromosomal damage. He died from these diseases Nov. 19, 2013.
The suit alleges Ronald Fear's illness and death were caused by the defendants' negligent acts.
Deborah Fear seeks actual, special, exemplary and punitive damages, as well as interest and court costs. She is represented by attorneys David J. Baluk and Keith E. Patton of Shrader & Associates in Houston.
Jefferson County District Court case number D-197783.