Children of woman who died from lung cancer sue over her alleged exposure to radioactive materials at work

GRETNA – The children of a woman who allegedly died due to lung cancer they claim was caused by her exposure to radioactive oil drilling byproducts are suing.

Marlon Lewis and Ian Lewis filed suit against Exxon Mobil Corporation, Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation, Chevron USA Inc., Devon Energy Production Company LP, ConocoPhillips Company, BP Products North America Inc., BP America Production Company, Shell Oil Company, Marathon Oil Company LLC, Tenneco Oil Company, Atlantic Richfield Company and OFS Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 17.

The plaintiffs claim their mother Gail Lewis was employed by Tuboscope from 1980 to 1982 where she worked as a laborer and pipe cleaner in pipe yards in Harvey and New Iberia where she was allegedly exposed to oilfield generated radioactivity created during the process of drilling wells and the components of which were later cleaned by laborers at Tuboscope. The Lewises allege that their mother was exposed to hazardous materials in the form of dust spread throughout the environment that emanated from the pipes being cleaned. The plaintiffs assert that due to the exposure to the radioactive materials their mother later in life contracted lung cancer that resulted in her death.

The defendants are accused of negligence in exposing the deceased to harmful materials without providing necessary protective equipment or warnings about the potential danger.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for wrongful death, pre-death pain and suffering, loss of income, loss of the deceased’s love and funeral expenses.

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

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 744-338.

hazardous materials