The family of a former manufacturing worker filed a lawsuit, following the worker’s death, against Westlake Chlor-Vinyls Corporation (“Westlake”) alleging negligence, and wrongful death, among other claims. The family seeks monetary relief and compensation against Westlake alleging it is responsible for the death of the worker following an incident that resulted in the worker’s untimely death. The worker had been employed by Trane Corporation’s Tyler, Texas (“Trane”) manufacturing plant and was provided a degreasing agent by Westlake. The degreasing agent provided by Westlake contained chemicals that included trichloroethylene and benzene.
The chemicals in the degreasing agent are classified as human carcinogens, a substance that causes cancer. The family claims the exposure through vapors and drinking water caused the worker to develop kidney cancer/renal cell carcinoma, that led to the worker’s death. The family alleges that Westlake failed to warn of the risks of the degreaser and failed to provide a safe degreaser for the work environment of the worker and her coworkers. The family further alleges Westlake was negligent in failing to provide adequate training to the workers of the manufacturing plant and for failing to comply with applicable rules and regulations.
The family further claims that Trane’s manufacturing facility was classified as one that emits significant hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds, both that exceeded allowable federal standards. The federal standards are intended to protect public health and welfare, so that workers, like the decedent (deceased worker), are not at risk of developing cancer and other consequences. The effects on health caused by the chemicals in the degreaser are known mostly based off occupational exposures. This is the kind of exposure that the decedent was exposed to and led to her death.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of the negligence of others, it is important to find a skilled law firm to handle your claim. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the oldest personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys can assist you with your claim. Call us today at 713-222-7211 or toll free at 1-800-870-9584.