Cindy Aucoin and Connie Gregory have filed a significant lawsuit against several major corporations, alleging that their negligence led to the death of James Bailey from mesothelioma. The complaint was lodged on January 17, 2025, in Harris County District Court against Able Supply Co., Aramco Ventures LLC, Chevron Corporation, and others.
The plaintiffs, Cindy Aucoin and Connie Gregory, are the daughters and heirs of James Bailey. They claim that during his employment at the Texaco refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, from approximately 1956 to 1994, Bailey was exposed to asbestos-containing products. This exposure allegedly resulted in him contracting mesothelioma, which ultimately led to his death. The defendants named in the case include Able Supply Co., Aramco Ventures LLC (as successor-in-interest to Texaco), Chevron Corporation (also as successor-in-interest to Texaco), Huntsman Petrochemical LLC, Motiva Enterprises LLC, Saudi Refining Inc., Shell USA Inc., Texaco Inc., and TMR Company.
According to the lawsuit, these companies failed in their duty of care by not providing adequate warnings about the dangers of asbestos exposure. The plaintiffs assert that the defendants were aware or should have been aware of the hazardous nature of asbestos but continued to manufacture and distribute products containing it without sufficient safety measures or warnings. "Defendants created hazardous and deadly conditions," the complaint states, accusing them of gross negligence for not adequately protecting workers like Bailey from asbestos exposure.
The plaintiffs are seeking over $1 million in damages for various claims including wrongful death and survival actions under Texas law. They argue that each defendant played a role in causing Bailey's injuries and subsequent death due to their negligent practices. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for pain and suffering endured by Bailey before his death as well as punitive damages intended to punish the defendants for their alleged misconduct.
Representing Cindy Aucoin and Connie Gregory are attorneys Ben K. DuBose and Greg Lisemby from DuBose Law Firm PLLC. The case is filed under Case ID 2025-03789 with Judge Marilyn Burgess presiding over proceedings at Harris County District Court.