HOUSTON — A cook who worked on various tankers for Conoco Phillips and Polar claims his exposure to benzene, gasoline and other hazardous chemicals caused his cancer diagnosis.
Enrico Monsanto filed a complaint May 17 in Harris County District Court against ConocoPhillips Company and Polar Tankers, Inc., alleging negligence.
According to his complaint, Monsanto is an American Seaman who was employed by the defendants as a cook on certain tankers. He alleges that during the duration of his employment, he was exposed to and inhaled benzene, aromatic, hydrocarbons and other hazardous chemicals.
Monsanto claims that the defendants are in violation of the Jones Act and U.S. Coast Guard CFR’s for failing to provide a safe working environment and proper training on how to wear sufficient protection gear. Monsanto claims these negligent actions led him to develop myelodysplastic syndrome which has caused him “physical pain, mental anguish, and other medical problems.”
Monsanto seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Vuk Vujasinovic and Curtis Bickers of VB Attorneys in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-29259