LAKE CHARLES – A worker has filed a negligence lawsuit against Packaging Corporation of America, claiming that he was severely burned by a chemical spray after a co-worker instructed him to engage an incorrect valve.
Plaintiffs Danny Norris and Sharon Norris filed a lawsuit in federal court against Packaging Corporation of America, citing allegations of negligence.
According to court documents, Danny Norris was employed by Packaging Corporation of America as a hazmat tanker-truck driver at a paper mill plant in Beauregard Parish. Danny alleges that on December 14, 2022, he was unloading sodium hydroxide, a corrosive and dangerous chemical. He claims that after he successfully transferred the chemical to his truck, a plant operator ordered him to engage a valve to release the remaining pressure on the hose. Danny says that when he complied with the instruction, the hose suddenly disconnected and sprayed him with the corrosive chemical, causing severe chemical burns all over his body.
The lawsuit claims the valve the operator ordered Danny to engage was the incorrect valve and that the valve was unmarked in violation of safety regulations.
The plaintiffs allege the incident was a result of the defendant's negligence in maintaining safe operating procedures, equipment, and training protocols.
Danny is seeking damages for pain, suffering, physical impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, lost wages, disfigurement, and medical costs. His wife, Sharon Norris, is seeking damages for the loss of Danny's love, affection, financial support, companionship and consortium. In addition to damages, the plaintiffs are seeking a judgment to include interest, court costs and any other relief the court deems proper.
They are being represented by David Hanchey and Todd Townsley of The Townsley Law Firm in Lake Charles and by Tommy Kherkher, Kevin C. Haynes and Omar Chawdhary of Kherkher Garcia in Houston.
U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Lake Charles Division, case number 2:23-cv-01472