Former Shell Oil worker sues insulation companies after mesothelioma diagnosis

NEW ORLEANS – A Washington Parish couple is suing corporations they claim are responsible for the husband's exposure to asbestos and subsequent contraction of mesothelioma.

Paul C. Poche and Dorothy Poche filed suit against Eagle Inc., Anco Insulations Inc., The McCarty Corporation and Taylor-Seidenbach Inc. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Sept. 2.

Paul Poche claims that he was exposed to numerous asbestos-containing products when he worked for Shell Oil from 1952-1983 in Norco, La. The plaintiff says that his tasks included pipe fitting work and tearing out insulation, resulting in Poche's inhalation of large quantities of asbestos fibers.

Poche asserts that he suffers from asbestos related malignant mesothelioma, increased susceptibility to one of the foregoing diseases and other illnesses, mental anguish associated with preceding conditions and fear of developing said conditions.

Poche claims that he filed the petition within one year of discovering his illness.

The defendants are accused of negligence, strict liability, strict liability and negligence.

According to the suit, each of the defendants should have known about the health hazards inherent to the products they were selling because of medical studies and studies conducted within the industry.

Poche further avers that the contractor defendants were negligent in creating a work environment rife with asbestos dust and failing to provide warnings outlining the dangers and risks posed by asbestos and the need for appropriate safety equipment.

Dorothy Poche reports that she has lost the benefits of her husband's consortium and that prior to Paul Poche's illness he was a significant provider of resources for their family.

The plaintiffs are seeking an unknown amount in damages for physical pain, mental anguish, medical and pharmaceutical expenses, physical impairment, partial and total disability, mesothelioma, domestic help and nursing care and loss of enjoyment of life.

Paul and Dorothy Poche are represented by Chris B. Cortez of Williams Law Office LLC.
The case has been assigned to District D Judge Lloyd J. Medley.

Case no. 2014-08638.