Lab Worker’s Lymphoma Death Blamed on Benzene Exposure

By Monica Galvan

Published on July 26, 2007

J. Frances Strother filed a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of the late Paul Strother, claiming that Paul contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a result of benzene exposure during his nearly 40-year career with B.F. Goodrich Co. The suit names Shell Oil, BP, Texaco, Exxon/Mobil, and others as defendants in the case.

Paul Strother was diagnosed with the disease 23 years after retiring from his work as a lab technician, when, according to the suit, he was exposed to benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals. The suit alleges that Strother was unaware of the dangers of working with these chemicals, and that he was never provided with protective gear when handling the hazardous substances. The suit claims that the 25 companies knowingly exposed Strother and others to benzene and other dangerous chemicals.

J. Frances Strother is seeking compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, physical impairment, and medical costs associated with Paul’s illness and death.

The chemical companies have not yet issued statements on the legal action.

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