A 63-year-old former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major agricultural company, alleging severe health impacts due to prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals. Edward Alderete lodged the complaint in Harris County District Court on May 28, 2024, targeting Bayer Crop Science, LLC, doing business as SBM Life Science, and its executive Werner Baumann.
According to the filing, Alderete worked as a formulator at Bayer Crop Science's Pasadena location from 1985 until his retirement in 2022. His job involved mixing liquid chemicals daily to create pesticides. The plaintiff claims he was regularly exposed to harmful substances such as Benzine and Cylathern without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). He alleges that despite multiple complaints about safety violations and chemical spills, the company failed to enforce proper safety protocols. "There were numerous instances where I was exposed to dangerous chemicals that came into contact with my skin and lungs," Alderete stated in the petition. He recounted an incident where a safety manager dismissed concerns by taking a deep breath in front of employees, only to pass out immediately afterward.
The lawsuit accuses Bayer Crop Science and Werner Baumann of negligence under several counts. The plaintiff argues that the defendants failed to maintain a safe working environment, adequately supervise staff, provide necessary PPE, and properly respond to chemical spills. Additionally, Alderete claims that the company's actions violated the Texas Clean Air Act by emitting air contaminants without authorization from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The suit seeks injunctive relief, civil penalties, attorney’s fees, and court costs for these alleged violations.
Alderete is demanding over $1 million in damages for medical expenses incurred due to his injuries and ongoing treatment needs. He also seeks compensation for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and exemplary damages aimed at punishing the defendants for their gross negligence. "Their negligent acts constituted such an entire want of care as to establish they were indifferent to my rights and welfare," Alderete asserted.
Representing Alderete are attorneys Sasha Seyvani and Ali Mokaram from Mokaram Law Firm. The case is assigned Case ID 2024-33631 with Judge Jalisa Feagin presiding over it in Harris County District Court.