WINFIELD – A Putnam County couple alleges the husband's exposure to chemicals while working at a Nitro facility caused him to develop cancer.
Johnny Caruthers and Judy Caruthers filed a complaint April 23 in Putnam Circuit Court against Safety-Kleen Systems Inc., Radiator Specialty Co., Ashland LLC, et al. alleging negligence and other counts.
According to the complaint, in 1976, Johnny Caruthers began working at UB West Virginia Inc., formerly known as Union Boiler Co., in Nitro. He alleges during his career there, he was exposed to toxic chemical products containing benzene manufactured, processed and supplied by the defendants. Due to alleged exposure, inhalation and dermal absorption, Johnny Caruthers developed myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, which was diagnosed in June 2016.
The plaintiffs hold the defendants responsible because they allegedly failed to advise of the dangerous characteristics of their repair and paint products and failed to advise if protective equipment was needed.
The plaintiffs seek an amount to be determined by the trier of fact, as well as an award of punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, and such other relief as a judge or jury shall find fair and just. They are represented by R. Dean Hartley and James C. Wright of Hartley Law Group PLLC in Wheeling. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Phillip M. Stowers.
Putnam Circuit Court case number 18-C-83