Barrett D. Burkart, Jr.
DONALDSONVILLE – An East Baton Rouge Parish man has filed suit against many of his past employers for his alleged hearing loss.
Robert T. Firmin filed suit on Feb. 10 in 23rd Judicial District Court against Exxon Mobil, Star Enterprise, BASF Corporation, Honeywell International, PCS Nitrogen Fertilizer, Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Marathon Petroleum Company and their respective insurers. Firmin claims he was exposed to unreasonably loud noises throughout the course of his employment.
He also alleges prolonged exposure to repetitive loud noises has resulted in permanent high-range hearing loss. Firmin is also accusing the defendants of battery for withholding information regarding the dangers of being exposed to such loud noises.
The defendants are being accused of negligence for exposing the plaintiff to unreasonable noise levels, not knowing the dangers of exposing employees to extremely loud noises without safeguards, failing to provide necessary safety protection, medical monitoring, proper industrial hygiene training, intentionally failing to provide a safe work area, failing to provide plaintiff with proper medical knowledge, failing to keep noise at or below safe levels and concealing medical information concerning long-term exposure to loud noises.
Damages are being sought for pain and suffering, disability, medical bills and loss of enjoyment of life, and not to exceed $75,000.
Firmin is being represented by attorney Barrett D. Burkart, Jr. of Baton Rouge.
The case has been assigned to Division E Judge Alvin Turner, Jr.
Case number 102713