Man blames illness on decade of industrial exposure, sues employers

A Kentwood man is suing past and present employers for alleged negligence during his employment between 2000 and 2010.

Stephen Paul Ferguson, individually and as legal representative of Grace Joan Ferguson and Melinda Ferguson, filed a civil action against Motiva Enterprises Inc. and Conoco Phillips Co. of Baton Rouge and Total Petrochemicals and Refinery USA Inc. of Dallas on April 14 in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana 14, citing responsibility in a health-related matter dating to 2000.

Stephen Paul Ferguson was employed by Altair Strickland as a pipefitter/boilermaker at a refinery in Motiva Convent from 2000 to 2002; and by Turner Industries at refineries in Port Arthur, Texas, in 2008 and Belle Chasse, La., from 2009 to 2010.

According to the suit, which states that benzene is a known carcinogen, Ferguson regularly came into contact with benzene and products containing benzene such as crude oil, toluene, xylene and gasoline at the defendants’ facilities. Having been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in May 2014, he claims that the defendants should have known of the hazards of exposure, failed to protect him, and were in breach of duty to act with reasonable care to avoid his injuries.

The suit alleges premises liability and claims loss of consortium and services for the plaintiff’s wife and daughter, physical damage and pain, mental distress, fear of additional disease, disability, medical expenses and loss of enjoyment of life. Ferguson seeks damages in excess of $75,000; pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, expenses and costs.

He is represented by L. Eric Williams Jr. of Williams Law Office in Metairie.

U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana case no. 2:15-cv-01181-ILRL-MBN.