In a compelling legal development, a lawsuit has been filed alleging that a company's negligence led to the death of an employee due to asbestos exposure. Katherine Huntsman, individually and as heir of the estate of Willis C. Huntsman, lodged the complaint against Payne & Keller Company in Harris County District Court on December 17, 2024.
The case centers around the late Willis C. Huntsman, who was employed at Exxon in Baytown, Texas from 1947 to 1978. During his tenure, he was allegedly exposed to asbestos-containing products, which resulted in him contracting mesothelioma—a severe form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure—leading to his untimely death. The plaintiff accuses Payne & Keller Company of failing to ensure the safety of its products and employees. The lawsuit contends that Payne & Keller engaged in the sale of defective asbestos-containing products without adequate warnings or safety measures. "Defendant knew or should have foreseen the risk of harm," asserts Katherine Huntsman in her petition.
The plaintiff's claims against Payne & Keller are extensive and include allegations of strict liability for selling unreasonably dangerous products, breach of warranty for failing to ensure product safety, negligence in maintaining workplace safety standards, and misrepresentation/fraud by implying their products were safe when they were not. These actions are claimed to have directly caused Mr. Huntsman's suffering and eventual death.
Katherine Huntsman seeks various forms of relief from the court. She demands compensatory damages for pain and suffering endured by Mr. Huntsman before his death, medical expenses incurred due to his illness, funeral costs, and loss suffered by his heirs due to his passing. Additionally, she seeks punitive damages aimed at punishing Payne & Keller for their alleged negligence and misconduct.
Representing Katherine Huntsman is Samantha Smith from Williams Hart & Boundas L.L.P., based in Houston, Texas. The case is presided over by Judge Carly Mitchell under Case ID 2024-87475.