BEAUMONT – Two lawsuits have been filed in Jefferson County against German Pellets Texas, a company that has made headlines in recent months.
The latest suit was filed Oct. 25 on behalf of Jesus Cuevas, who died on Oct. 25 while in the employ of German Pellets at its Port Arthur facility.
Cuevas was operating a skid-steer loader when a large amount of material fell on him.
On top of exemplary damages, his family is seeking more than $1 million in actual damages.
San Antonio attorney Jerry Hernandez represents them (cause No. A-200862).
Also filed on Oct. 25 was a lawsuit against German Pellets on behalf of numerous individuals claiming they have been exposed to harmful smoke as a result of fires at the Port Arthur facility.
“The production of wood pellets for biofuels presents well-known hazards,” the suit states. “Wood pellets give off a fine dust. Without proper handling and disposal of this dust, serious dust explosions may occur.
“This case arises out of the improper manufacture and handling of wood pellets at … German Pellets and the fire, explosion and months of smoke that resulted.”
The plaintiffs, who all live near the facility, are seeking more than $1 million in damages.
They are represented by the Houston law firm Irvine & Conner (cause No. B-200859).