Deceased worker's family files asbestos, Jones Act suit against 13 companies
9/4/2008 2:30 PM
By David Yates
At the age of 75, George Greer, Sr. allegedly died from mesothelioma. His family is holding more than a dozen companies accountable for his exposure to asbestos and death and has filed a suit on his behalf.
As the representative of Greer's estate, Rosia Greer filed the suit against Chevron USA and 12 other companies in Jefferson County District Court on Aug. 28.
Court documents show that Greer was employed by various defendant companies from 1960 through the 1980s. He also worked as a seaman during that time span, allowing his family to sue under the Jones Act.
"During the period of his employment by the Defendants, Decedent was exposed to asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products and, as a result, he has sustained severe and permanent personal injuries and damages in the form of mesothelioma, a disease from which he died from," the suit says.
"The Defendants failed to warn … or to prevent these exposures from occurring, (which) was a proximate cause of Mr. Greer's death and Plaintiffs' damages."
The suit continues by accusing the defendant of having subjective awareness of the severe health risks associated with exposure to asbestos, "but nevertheless proceeded with conscious indifference to the rights, safety and welfare of Mr. Greer."
The plaintiffs are suing for exemplary damages, plus Greer's past and future mental anguish, medical expenses, impairment and disfigurement.
They are represented by Steven Kherkher, an attorney for the Williams Kherkher Hart & Boundas law firm.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.
