EDWARDSVILLE — A man alleges he developed myelodysplastic syndrome as a result of exposure to benzene from a Wood River refinery.
Willard Carpenter and Cheryl Carpenter filed a complaint on Sept. 17 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Shell Oil Company, BP Products North America, et. al., alleging they breached their duty to exercise reasonable care and caution for the safety of those living in close proximity to their Wood River facilities.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on November 2015, Willard Carpenter was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome due to his exposure to benzene fumes emanating from defendants' benzene-containing products. He claims he will incur life-long medication and treatment, pain and suffering, and a shortened life expectancy.
The plaintiffs hold the defendants responsible because they negligently caused thousands of pounds of benzene-containing pollutants to be discharged into the air and surface/ground water and failed to give warning or notice of the danger of being exposed to benzene-containing pollutants.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against the defendants, jointly and severally, in a fair and reasonable amount exceeding $50,000, and all other relief deemed just and proper. They are represented by Christopher W. Dysart of The Dysart Law Firm PC in Chesterfield, Mo.
Madison County Circuit Court Case number 18-L-1246