BEAUMONT — The widow of an oil refinery worker is suing Texaco Inc. and Chevron Inc., alleging malice and/or gross negligence surrounding his exposure to chemicals in the workplace.
Sarah Staton of Bridge City, as the surviving spouse of Gregory Staton, filed a lawsuit Feb. 3 in Jefferson County District Court against Texaco Inc. and Chevron USA Inc.
According to the complaint, Gregory Staton worked for Texaco in its Jefferson County facility from 1971 to 1986, and during his employment at the refinery he was exposed to toxic materials, including benzene, benzene-containing products and other chemical products. Staton developed multiple myeloma due to the exposure and died Oct. 25, 2014, the suit states.
The lawsuit alleges the defendants knew for decades the chemicals could cause irreparable disease and still allowed their employees to work in the conditions. Sarah Staton also states Texaco and Chevron acted with malice and didn’t warn its workers of the dangers of benzene and the other chemicals.
Sarah Staton seeks a jury trial, damages from the defendants, court costs and further relief to which she could be justly entitled. She is represented by attorneys D’Juana Parks and J. Keith Hyde of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm LLP in Beaumont.
Jefferson County District Court Case number E-198075