EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County man is suing Shell Oil Company and other related companies, alleging the defendants exposed him to cancer-causing chemicals.
Donald M. Barton Sr. filed a complaint March 21 in Madison County Circuit Court against Shell Oil Company, Apex Oil Company Inc, BP Products North America Inc., Clark Oil & Refining Corporation, Equilon Enterprises LLC, ding business as Shell Oil Products US, Premcor Refining Group Inc., Radiator Specialty Company, Safety-Kleen Corporation, Safety-Kleen Systems Inc, The B'laster Corporation, Turtle Wax, U.S. Steel Corporation, et al, alleging negligence and failure to create a safe work environment.
According to the complaint, Barton worked in an industrial shop and was a tanker driver for CBW Transport Services and regularly came into contact with benzene and other chemicals from the defendants. The suit says Barton inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed toxic dusts, fumes and vapors from the defendants' products, which led to the plaintiff being placed in unreasonable harm as the chemicals are known to be cancer causing.
The plaintiff alleges he has experienced pain and suffering, physical disfigurement and impairment and been responsible for medical expenses.
Barton seeks trial by jury, compensation for injuries suffered and all proper relief. He is is represented by attorneys Ted N. Giannaris and Mike Stewart of Simmons Hanly Conroy in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court Case number 2019-L-000389