Man who used to work near pipe cleaning company claims exposure to airborne radioactive materials

GRETNA – A Florida man is suing an oil drilling pipe cleaner and numerous oil corporations for allegedly exposing him to radioactive materials.

John Dunlavy filed suit against Exxon Mobil Corporation, Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation, Chevron USA Inc. and Intracoastal Tubular Services Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 10. Dunlavy claims he was employed by Technical Industries Inc. from 1974-84 and that cleaning processes utilized at the nearby Intracoastal Tubular Services Inc. yard resulted in him breathing in and being exposed to particulate matter. The plaintiff alleges that the materials cleaned out of the pipes contained containing oilfield generated radioactivity (OGR) that he was exposed to due to his proximity to their facility.

The defendant is accused of knowing of the danger presented by OGR, performing work under contracts with oil companies they knew to be would cause the plaintiff to suffer exposure, failing to properly supervise the operations of the pipe cleaning company, failing to warn of OGR, failing to properly test pipes for OGR, failing to properly dispose of the OGR, failing to place marker s on OGR contaminated pipe, failing to properly mark of prevent access to OGR contaminated work areas, acting in a careless and negligent manner without due regard to the plaintiff’s safety and strict liability.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for radiation exposure at unsafe levels, medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of income, loss of wage earning capacity, medical monitoring and medical expenses.

Dunlavy is represented by Jeremiah A. Sprague of Marrero-based Falcon Law Firm.

The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.

Case no. 725-787.