GRETNA – A man who contracted two forms of cancer years after working in drilling pipe cleaning yards where he alleges he was exposed to radioactive materials is suing.
Jimmy Emerson filed suit against Exxon Mobil Corporation, Humble Oil Refining Company, Humble Oil Refining Corporation, Exxon Company USA, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, Mobil Oil Company, Shell Oil Company, Swepi LP, Shell Offshore Inc., BP Products North America Inc., Amoco Oil Company, American Oil Company, Chevron USA Inc., Gulf Oil Corporation, Gulf Oil Exploration and Production Company, Texaco Inc., Texas Company, ConocoPhillips Company, Phillips Petroleum Company, Conoco Inc., Marathon Oil Company, USS Holdings Company, BP America Production Company, Amoco Production Company, Pan American Petroleum Corporation, Standolind Oil and Gas Company, Vastar Resources Inc., Devon Energy Production Company, Devon Energy Corporation, Pennzenergy Exploration and Production LLC, Devon Energy Operating Company, Devon Energy Gas Marketing Company, Pennzoil Gas Marketing Company, Pennzoil Producing Company, Union Producing Company, Pennzoil Oil and Gas Inc., Pennzoil Company, Pennzoil Producing Company, Pennzoil United Inc., United Gas Corporation, Pennzoil Petroleum Company, Atlantic Richfield Company, Intracoastal Tubular Company, Intracoastal Truck Line Inc., Intracoastal Terminal Inc., Intracoastal Pipe Repair and Supply Inc. and OFS Inc.in the 24th Judicial District Court on May 8.
Emerson asserts that from 1979 to 1983 he was employed in several pipe cleaning yards by Louisiana Texas Oilfield Inspection Services where drilling pipe containing oilfield generated radioactivity was being cleaned. The plaintiff claims the pulverization of the contents of the pipes caused the radioactive materials to become an airborne fine dust that he breathed in. Emerson alleges his years long exposure to radioactive materials produced by the defendants resulted in his contraction of skin cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
The defendant is accused of failing to warn of danger, causing harmful exposure to radioactivity, failing to inform the plaintiff of the exposure to radioactive materials, failing to properly test for radioactivity, failing to properly dispose of radioactive waste, failing to identify contaminated pipes, failing to mark areas contaminated by radioactivity, acting in a careless and negligent manner and using defective equipment.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for cancer diagnoses, increased risk of cancer, fear of cancer, physical health problems, mental pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of income, loss of wage earning capacity, medical monitoring and medical expenses.
Emerson is represented by Jeremiah A. Sprague of Marrero-based Falcon Law Firm.
The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen D. Enright Jr.
Case no. 749-484.