Family of man allegedly exposed to oilfield generated radioactivity sue for wrongful death

GRETNA – The family of a man who died after allegedly being exposed to radioactive materials is suing a number of companies they claim are responsible for his death.

Shirley Bottley, Jovane Benoit and Juajuan Benoit filed suit against Exxon Mobil Corporation, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, Humble Oil & Refining Company, Shell Oil Company, BP Products North America, Chevron USA Inc., ConocoPhillips Company, marathon OOil Company, the Texas Company, BP American Production Company, Devon Energy Production Company, Placid Oil Company, Oxy Inc., Intracoastal Tubular Services and Varco LP in the 24th Judicial District Court on July 16.

Shirley is the former spouse of Cornelius Bottley, who is now deceased, and Jovane Bottely and Juajuan Benoit are the deceased’s children. The plaintiffs claim that in 2002 Cornelius filed a personal injury lawsuit against various defendants after he was exposed to oilfield generated radioactivity (OGR) through his employment at various companies where he inspected and cleaned drilling pipe owned by the defendants. On July 17, 2012 the plaintiffs allege that Cornelius died from esophageal cancer due to his work in and around contaminated pipes.

The defendants are accused of not warning of the danger presented by OGR, failing to properly supervise pipe cleaning contract defendants, failing to properly warn in regard to GOR violation, failing to test for OGR, failing to dispose of OGR waste, failing to place identification on OGR contaminated pipe, failing to properly mark OGR contaminated work areas and acting in a careless and negligent manner.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pre-death pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses and wrongful death.

The plaintiffs are represented by Jeremiah A. Sprague of the Marrero-based Falcon Law Firm.

The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Nancy A. Miller.

Case no. 728-967.