Several oil companies sued by man claiming heart attack was caused by exposure to radioactive materials

GRETNA – A man who formerly worked as a drilling pipe cleaner is suing numerous oil companies claiming he was exposed to radioactive materials that resulted in him having a heart attack and being at an increased risk of contracting cancer.

Ray Davis Jr. filed suit against Exxon Mobil Corporation, Humble Oil And Refining Company, Humble Oil And Refining Corporation, Exxon Company USA, Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation, Chevron USA Inc., Gulf Oil Corporation, Gulf Oil Exploration And Production Company, Texaco Inc., Texas Company, Devon Energy Production Company LP, Devon Energy Corporation, Pennzenergy Exploration And Production LLC, Devon Energy Operating Company, Devon Energy Gas Marketing Company, Pennzoil Gas Marketing Company, Pennzoil Producing Company, Union Producing Company, Pennzoil Oil And Gas Inc., Pennzoil Company, Pennzoil Producing Company, Pennzoil United Inc., United Gas Corporation, Pennzoil Petroleum Company, Conocophillips Company, Phillips Petroleum Company, Conoco Inc., BP Products North America Inc, Amoco Oil Company, American Oil Company, BP America Production Company, Amoco Production Company, Pan American Petroleum Corporation, Standolind Oil And Gas Company, Vastar Resources Inc., Shell Oil Company, Shell Offshore Inc, Swepi LP, Marathon Oil Company and OFS Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 29.

Davis alleges that from 1973 through 1975 he worked at Tuboscope in Harvey where he was exposed to oil field generated radiation (OGR) scale from pipe. The plaintiff asserts that during the course of his employment Tubscope pulverized OGR scale that became airborne and thus exposed him to dangerous levels of radiation that ultimately allegedly resulted in a heart attack and an increase in the potential for contracting cancer. Davis claims that at no time was the OGR containing pipe marked as being hazardous.

The defendants are accused of failing to warn of the danger, knowing the work would expose employees to OGR, failing to properly supervise operations, violation of contract, failing to properly test the pipe, failing to properly dispose of the pipe, failing to mark and prevent access to OGR contamination and using production equipment containing OGR.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for fear of cancer, increased risk of cancer, dame to physical health, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, mental anguish, medical expenses, mental pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of income, loss of wage earning capacity, medical monitoring and medical expenses.

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

The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Michael P. Mentz.

Case no. 737-916.