NEW ORLEANS – The administrators of the estate of a North Carolina man alleges he was injured because of an exposure to asbestos during his career.
William E. Bartel and David C. Peebles, as administrators for the estate of Douglas R. Otto, filed a suit against Chiquita Brands International Inc., individually and as successor in interest to United Fruit Co., in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Nov. 2.
According to the claim, the plaintiffs' decedent was employed by the defendant as a seaman on its various merchant ships. The suit states that during the scope of Otto's employment, he was exposed to asbestos, which caused lung cancer.
The defendant is accused of negligence.
The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount in damages. They are represented by Claire Carville Ross, Cameron R. Waddell and Jody E. Anderman of Waddell Anderman of Baton Rouge.
The case has been assigned to Division E Judge Clare Jupiter.
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court Case number 2016-10866