17 companies named in second suit over man's death from asbestos-related disease

4/11/2011 9:53 PM By Kelly Holleran




A Texas woman is blaming 17 defendant companies for the death of a man who allegedly developed a malignant asbestos-related disease and industrial dust diseases after working around products manufactured by the companies.

Cecilia Ann Comeaux filed a lawsuit April 1 in Jefferson County District Court on behalf of Charles Lee Comeaux claiming he died from an asbestos-related disease.

Before his death, Charles Lee Comeaux filed an asbestos suit, but Cecilia Ann Comeaux brings her complaint on allegations that Charles Lee Comeaux died from a different, malignant asbestos-related disease than was named in his previous lawsuit.

The defending companies named in the complaint are: American Optical Corp., Bechtel Corp., Chevron, E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Co., Entergy Gulf States, Exxon Mobil Corp., Fluor Enterprises, Fluor Maintenance Services, Foster Wheeler Constructors, Foster Wheeler Corp., Foster Wheeler Entergy Corp., Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co., Mobil Chemical, Mobil Oil Refining Corp., PPG Industries and Texaco.

Cecilia Ann Comeaux alleges the defendant companies caused Charles Lee Comeaux's disease because they failed to adequately test their products and failed to warn of the dangers of asbestos exposure.

At the time the products were manufactured, the defending companies knew of the hazards associated with asbestos but failed to remove their products from the market, according to the complaint.

Some defendant companies, such as 3M and American Optical Corporation, failed to provide Charles Lee Comeaux with adequate masks to protect him from the asbestos, while other businesses forced Charles Lee Comeaux to work in close proximity to asbestos, the suit states.

Because of his exposure to the asbestos fibers, Charles Lee Comeaux experienced pain, suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement and physical impairment before his death, the complaint says.

Cecilia Ann Comeaux claims she has incurred medical and funeral bills relating to Charles Lee Comeaux''s death.

Cecilia Ann Comeaux is seeking actual and exemplary damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which she may be entitled.

Bryan O. Blevins Jr. of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont is representing her.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.