June 7th, 2007

The family of a man that died from cancer are suing his former employers, stating that it was exposure to toxic materials such as asbestos dust and fibers that resulted in the death of the man. The lawsuit relating to the late Johnie Crocker, Jr. was filed by Kathryn Crocker and sons Johnie D. Crocker and Larry Crocker in Jefferson County District Court.

The lawsuit names Chevron USA Inc. and Texaco Inc. as defendants. The late Mr. Crocker worked as a shift foreman and operator at the Port Neches facility of the Texaco Butadiene Company. The lawsuit claims that he was exposed to asbestos fibers and other toxins, and that his employers were well aware of the danger that he was in, and therefore acted with gross neglect or malice.

The lawsuit stated: "As a result of such exposure, Johnie Crocker Jr., developed an asbestos-related disease, specifically lung cancer, for which he died a painful and terrible death on April 23, 2006." It also goes on to state: "The defendant knew for decades that asbestos-containing products could cause the disease of asbestosis and asbestos-related cancers and still allowed its employees, such as Johnie Crocker Jr. to work with and around asbestos products in the workplace."