Former Chevron Employee Sues for Benzene Exposure

By Jennifer Griffith

Published on May 07, 2007

Gary Congram, who worked as an engineer for various oil contractors for 43 years, developed myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myelogenous leukemia.

The plaintiffs' suit claims that Congram was not adequately warned about the dangerous health effects of the toxic and carcinogenic chemicals he was being exposed to during his four-decade career.

Those named in the suit include BP, Citgo, Chevron, Texaco, Valero, and 24 other oil companies.

The suit lists 10 counts of negligence against the defendants, including failing to eliminate the risk, failing to monitor exposure, and failing to initiate benzene safety policies.

The plaintiffs are suing for past and future pain and physical suffering, physical impairment, and mental anguish, as well as loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, and medical expenses.

Benzene is found naturally in crude oil, is an additive in gasoline, and is used in numerous commercial products such as plastics, synthetic rubber, and dyes.

Comment on this article →