Michael C. Palmintier
BATON ROUGE – A Baton Rouge man is suing a petrochemical plant and multiple other defendants for their alleged involvement in contributing to his diagnosis of asbestosis.
Jesse Rudolph Coleman filed suit against Exxon Chemical Louisiana, LLC, Exxon Chemical Americas, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Anco Insulation, Inc., Johns Manville, Inc., Johns-Manville Products Corporation, Johns-Manville Sales Corporation, Manville Sales Corporation, Schuller International, Inc., John Doe, John Roe and an insurance company in the 19th Judicial Court on Oct. 29.
The plaintiff claims he was employed by Exxon Chemical from 1945 to 1985. Coleman asserts he was seen at Baton Rouge General Medical Center for testing of recurring medical problems and was first diagnosed with asbestosis on Oct. 28.
The plaintiff alleges asbestos was regularly used to insulate tanks, pipes and other structures at the Exxon Mobil in East Baton Rouge Parish. He further asserts Johns Manville, Inc. manufactured the asbestos products. Coleman states he was exposed to, inhaled and ingested significant quantities of asbestos unaware of its dangers.
The defendants are accused of intentionally instructing the plaintiff to work in an atmosphere in which high levels of asbestos existed, though they knew that it was substantially certain that plaintiff would suffer the injuries and damages, manufacturing, selling, distributing and/or transporting toxic substances in an unsafe and dangerous manner, failing to warn plaintiff and others of the products and the products' dangers.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for asbestosis, pain and suffering and mental anguish.
The plaintiff is represented by Michael C. Palmintier of Baton Rouge-based Degravelles, Palmintier, Holthaus and Fruge.
The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Janice Clark.
Case no. 616606.