In a recent court filing, Danny L. Worthington and Karla Worthington have lodged a complaint against several major corporations, including Ashland Inc., Berryman Products, Inc., Chevron U.S.A., Inc., Shell USA, Inc., Union Oil Company of California, United States Steel Corporation, and W.M. Barr & Co., Inc. The lawsuit was filed in the District Court of Harris County, Texas on May 21, 2024.
The plaintiffs allege that Danny L. Worthington was exposed to hazardous chemicals and substances during his employment from approximately 1970 to 1979. Specifically, he encountered benzene-containing products such as Liquid Wrench, Chemtool, and Klean Kutter Paint & Varnish Remover while working at Plessy Midwest between 1972 and 1979. According to the complaint, these exposures led to Mr. Worthington developing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). The plaintiffs argue that the defendants are liable for manufacturing and distributing these dangerous products without adequate warnings about their carcinogenic properties.
The Worthingtons claim that the defendants' negligence included failing to provide sufficient warnings about the harmful effects of their products and not implementing necessary safety measures. They also accuse the companies of creating dangerous conditions on premises where Mr. Worthington worked. "Defendants were aware or should have been aware of the dangers associated with exposures to these chemicals," states the complaint. Despite this knowledge, they allegedly failed to warn Mr. Worthington or others similarly situated about these risks.
The plaintiffs seek damages exceeding $250,000 but not more than $10 million for medical expenses, mental anguish, pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, and other related costs. They also request punitive damages to punish the defendants for their alleged gross negligence and malice.
Representing the plaintiffs is J. Robert Black of Black Law PC based in Houston, Texas. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-32213 in the 61st Judicial District Court of Harris County under Judge Marilyn Burgess.