Painter claims exposure to benzene resulted in multiple myeloma

A painter claims his years of exposure to benzene-containing products has resulted in his diagnosis of multiple myeloma and has filed suit against companies who manufactured the products.

Craig Moore and Toni Jeanne Labat Moore, both individually and on behalf of their minor child, filed suit against BASF Corp. International Paint, The Valspar Corp., Radiator Specialty Co., United States Steel Corp., ExxonMobil Corp., Champion Brands, E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Co. and ABC Insurance Co. on April 28 in federal court in New Orleans.

Craig Moore worked as a painter from 1981 through 2005 at various locations for the defendants and was allegedly exposed to benzene containing products like paints, solvents, primers, thinners and other products. Moore claims his exposure resulted in his being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March 2010.

The defendants are accused of negligence for selling benzene-containing products, failing to instruct or warn users and bystanders of the hazards associated with these products and for misrepresenting the safety and health risk of these products. The defendants are also accused of strict product liability and liability under the Louisiana Products Liability Act.

Moore is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, disfigurement, embarrassment, physical impairment, earnings, lost earning capacity, physical and mental disability, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, fear of cancer, loss of society and consortium, wrongful death damages and survival damages.

The plaintiffs are represented by L. Eric Williams of Williams Law Office in Metairie and New Orleans attorney Frank J. D'Amico, Jr. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01001