A Kentucky woman, Verona Beasley, has filed a lawsuit against 10 defendants claiming her husband died from pancreatic cancer after being exposed to benzene and butadiene. Beasley claims her husband, Donald, was diagnosed with cancer in early 2006 and was told by doctors that his cancer was related to exposure to benzene and butadiene. Donald Beasley was a tire builder at General Tire and Rubber Company in Mayfield, KY for 26 years.
Mrs. Beasley claims that during the course of her husband’s employment there, he was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed benzene and butadiene, which were designed, manufactured, sold or distributed by the defendants. Those defendants include BP Amoco, Chevron, Continental Tire, Shell Oil and ConocoPhillips.
Benzene is a hydrocarbon that is produced by the burning of natural products, is found in gasoline and other fuels, and is used to make some types of dyes, rubbers, lubricants, drugs, detergents and pesticides.
Butadiene is an industrial chemical used in the production of synthetic rubber.
The suit claims the defendants had a duty to exercise reasonable care and caution for the safety, health and welfare of her husband but failed by including those chemicals in their products even though they would have a toxic and dangerous effect on the health of anyone handling them.
The suit further claims the defendants failed to provide adequate warning and instructions, failed to recommend use of protective equipments, and failed to recall or cease using benzene and butadiene.
Mrs. Beasley claims that her husband’s cancer disfigured and disabled him, caused pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages. She is seeking damages in excess of $150,000.
If you or a loved one has suffered or died due to exposure to a toxic substance in Colorado or Wyoming, please visit the website of the experienced Environmental Pollutants Attorneys BurgSimpson Attorneys & Counselors at Law.
