A contractor allegedly sprayed with caustic acid has filed a lawsuit against Motiva claiming he couldn't find a functioning safety shower at his work site following the incident.
Julius A. Thompson filed suit against Motiva Co. and Motiva Enterprises July 13 in St. James Parish District Court, claiming he suffered from second and third degree burns. The case was removed to federal court in New Orleans on Aug. 13.
The alleged incident occurred in October 2009 as Thompson, an employee of Sochem Solutions, a contractor for Motiva, was unloading caustic acid into a tank. Thompson says a line burst, causing the caustic acid to spray onto his arms, hands, face and head.
Motiva is accused of negligence for failing to provide functioning safety showers near the accident site, breach of duty of reasonable care, failing to adequately notify contractors regarding the non-functioning safety showers, failing to properly maintain its safety showers, failing to follow OSHA safety standards, negligent maintenance of the premises and failing to follow standard safety practices and procedures.
Thompson is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress, physical disabilities and limitations, loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety, inconvenience, lost wages, medical expenses, interest and court costs.
Thompson is represented by Baton Rouge attorneys Walter C. Dumas and Travis J. Turner of Dumas Law Firm.
A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:10cv02741
Motiva sued for not having functioning safety showers
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