Patrick Bowling v. Citgo Petroleum Corporation

STATE OF LOUISIANA
COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT

CA 18-169 consolidated with CA 18-170, CA 18-171, CA 18-172, CA 18-173,
CA 18-174, CA 18-175, CA 18-176, & CA 18-179

PATRICK BOWLING, ET AL.

VERSUS

CITGO PETROLEUM CORPORATION, ET AL.

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APPEAL FROM THE
FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
PARISH OF CALCASIEU, NO. 2007-2604
HONORABLE SHARON D. WILSON, DISTRICT JUDGE

**********

SYLVIA R. COOKS
JUDGE

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Court composed of Sylvia R. Cooks, John D. Saunders, and Elizabeth A. Pickett,
Judges.

AFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED IN PART; AND RENDERED.

Pickett, J., concurs in part and dissents in part with written reasons.

Robert E. Landry
Patrick D. Gallaugher
Kevin P. Fontenot
Scofield, Gerard, Pohorelsky, Gallaugher & Landry
901 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 900
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 433-9436
COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT-APPELLANT:
Citgo Petroleum Corporation

1

Craig Isenberg
Kyle W. Siegel
Joshua O. Cox
Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, LLC
909 Poydras, 24th Floor
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 589-9700
COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT APPELLANT:
Citgo Petroleum Corporation

Wells T. Watson
Jake D. Buford
Baggett, McCall, Burgess, Watson & Gaughan
P. O. Drawer 7820
Lake Charles, LA 70606-7820
(337) 478-8888
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFFS-APPELLEES:
Alton Young, Sammy Timpa, Corey Spikes, Robert Paggen, Patrick
Bowling, Larry Martin, Michael Colletta, Terryl Lambright, Michael
Crewell, Zachary Forsyth, Dustin Daigle, Chris Judice, Stephen L'Hoste,
Richard McCoy

Richard Elliott Wilson
Somer G. Brown
Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel & Wilson, LLC
723 Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 436-6611
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFFS-APPELLEES:
Michael Crewell, Dustin Daigle, Chris Judice, Michael Colletta, Terryl
Lambright, Patrick Bowling, Larry Martin, Stephen L'Hoste, Richard
McCoy, Robert Paggen, Corey Spikes, Sammy Timpa, Zachary Forsyth,
Alton Young

2

COOKS, Judge.

These appeals involve nine cases consolidated for trial, involving twenty-six

individual plaintiffs. Defendant, CITGO Petroleum Corporation (CITGO), appeals the

judgment of the trial court awarding damages to twenty-four plaintiffs impacted by

CITGO’s negligent release of slop oil into adjacent waterways and the air release of

sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

The facts giving rise to these lawsuits have been the subject of several appeals

before this court and the Louisiana Supreme Court. See Arabie v. CITGO Petroleum

Corp., 10-2605 (La. 3/3/12), 89 So.3d 307 (Arabie I); Arabie v. CITGO Petroleum

Corp., 15-324 (La.App. 3 Cir. 10/7/15), 175 So.3d 1180, writ denied, 15-2040 (La.

1/8/16), 184 So.3d 694 (Arabie II); Cormier v. CITGO Petroleum Corp., 17-104

(La.App. 3 Cir. 10/4/17), 228 So.3d 770, writ denied, 17-2138 (La. 2/9/18), 237 So.3d

491; Bradford v. CITGO Petroleum Corp., 17-296 (La.App. 3 Cir. 1/10/18), 237 So.3d

648, writ denied, 18-272 (La. 5/11/18), 241 So.3d 314; Albarado v. CITGO Petroleum

Corp., 17-823 (La.App. 3 Cir. 5/16/18), 247 So.3d 818; Fontenot v. CITGO Petroleum

Corp., 17-924, 17-925 (La.App. 3 Cir. 5/23/18), 247 So.3d 837. In Bradford, 237 So.3d

at 657-58, this court set out the operative facts as follows:

On June 19, 2006, following a local flash flood, CITGO’s Calcasieu
Parish Refinery released four million gallons of slop oil and seventeen
million gallons of wastewater into the Calcasieu River, contaminating over
100 miles of coastline with toxic liquids and mousse-like substances that
emitted toxic fumes in addition to being toxic upon contact. The spill was
the result of the failure and overflow of CITGO’s closed-system, waste-
water treatment unit. The overflow was described as a catastrophic event
and an environmental disaster by CITGO’s own representatives. The
clean-up of the spill lasted for approximately six months, from June to
December, 2006.

CITGO’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on slop oil from
March 2006 ranks it as a chronic health and fire hazard. The MSDS states
that the oil is extremely flammable and poisonous, and it contains
Hydrogen Sulfide (H sub2 S) gas which may be fatal if inhaled. It can
enter the lungs and cause damage. It is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Slop
oil contains above di minimus levels of benzene, a known cancer hazard

which can cause leukemia and other blood disorders, H sub2 S, xylene,
toluene, n-hexane, and ethylbenzene. Benzene, toluene, and xylene are
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that evaporate
from a solid or liquid form at room temperature; long-term exposure can
cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system; short-term
exposure can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches,
dizziness, visual disorders, fatigue, loss of coordination, allergic skin
reactions, nausea, and memory impairment. Pursuant to CITGO’s MSDS,
slop oil also contains hexane, heptane, octanes, nonane, and
trimethylbenzenes. Slop oil and/or its components are listed on the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory.

Also on June 19, 2006, CITGO’s steam lines became submerged
and the facility released H sub2 S and sulfur dioxide (S02) from sixty
stacks in illegal concentrations for a full day, approximately twelve hours.
The wind was blowing from the southeast toward the north and northwest,
then calming for parts of the day, allowing the toxic emissions to release
into the surrounding community.

CITGO stipulated to fault for causing both the release of the slop oil and the air

release of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. These nine consolidated cases

proceeded to trial on the issue of causation and any amount of damages due for each of

the twenty-six plaintiffs’ symptoms as a result of exposure to either slop oil, the air

release, or both. In all of the cases, a jury trial was waived and the damages of each

plaintiff was limited to $50,000.00.

In docket number 18-169, the plaintiffs, Patrick Bowling, Michael Colletta,

Michael Crewell,1 Dustin Daigle, Zachary Forsyth, Chris Judice, Terryl Lambright,

Stephen L’Hoste, Larry Martin, Richard McCoy, Robert Paggen, Corey Spikes, Sammy

Timba, and Alton Young, were employees of Phoenix Electric working at the Calcasieu

Refinery where they allege they were exposed to slop oil released by CITGO. In docket

number 18-170, Donald Mouton and Ebony (Mouton) Jack claim they were cutting

grass in the Carlyss area when they were exposed to the chemicals from the air release

from the CITGO refinery. In docket number 18-171, Odelia Dowling2 claims she was

1
Mr. Crewell died during the pendency of this suit and his sons were substituted
as plaintiffs.
2
Mrs. Dowling died during the pendency of this suit and her children were
substituted as plaintiffs.
2

exposed to toxins when she delivered lunch to her daughter’s fiancée at CITGO on June

20, 2006. In docket number 18-172, Ricky Matthews claims he was exposed to slop oil

while at a family event on June 20, 2016, at the I-210 beach on the Calcasieu River

north of the CITGO facility. In docket number 18-173, Leslie Mouton claims she was

exposed to the air release when she took lunch to her nephew at Colonial Pipeline

Company. In docket number 18-174, John Thibodeaux claims he was exposed to the

air release while visiting friends at an apartment on Cities Service Highway in Sulphur.

In docket number 18-175, Yvonne Glasgo claims she was exposed to slop oil while at

the same I-210 beach Ricky Matthews was at on June 20, 2006. In docket number 18-

176, Ellis Jack Jr. claims he was exposed to toxins released by CITGO while fishing in

Calcasieu Lake on some unspecified date. In docket number 18-179, Albert Doucet Jr.,

Debra McZeal, Tommy Mumford, and John Smith claim they were exposed to toxins

released by CITGO while working at the Louisiana Pigment Company in Sulphur,

Louisiana.

Following the trial, the trial court determined that each of the twenty-six plaintiffs

had been exposed to the slop oil, to the chemicals from the air release, or to both. The

trial court awarded damages in four categories. The trial court awarded medical

expenses associated with the exposure, and three categories of general damages: pain

and suffering, fear of developing future disease, and loss of enjoyment of life. The

damages awarded to each plaintiff are set forth as follows:

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Fear of Loss of
Medical Pain and
Plaintiff developing enjoyment of Total
expenses suffering
disease life
Patrick Bowling $ 350.00 $ 28,000.00 $ - $ 10,000.00 $ 38,350.00
Michael Colletta $ 350.00 $ 21,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 36,350.00
Michael Crewell $ 350.00 $ 25,000.00 $ - $ 10,000.00 $ 35,350.00
Dustin Daigle $ 350.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 18,850.00
Zachary Forsyth $ 350.00 $ 4,500.00 $ - $ 3,000.00 $ 7,850.00
Chris Judice $ 350.00 $ 13,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 28,350.00
Terryl Lambright $ 350.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 23,850.00
Stephen L'Hoste $ 350.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 12,500.00 $ 37,850.00
Larry Martin $ 416.00 $ 7,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 21,416.00
Richard McCoy $ 537.00 $ 28,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 48,537.00
Robert Paggen $ 350.00 $ 21,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 36,350.00
Corey Spikes $ 200.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 21,200.00
Sammy Timpa $ 350.00 $ 28,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 53,350.00
Alton Young $ 350.00 $ 28,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 48,350.00
Donald Mouton $ 200.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 18,700.00
Ebony (Mouton) Jack $ 200.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 25,200.00
Odelia Dowling $ 200.00 $ 8,000.00 $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 13,200.00
Ricky Matthews $ 732.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 45,732.00
Leslie Mouton $ 305.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 23,805.00
John Thibodeaux $ 200.00 $ 8,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 23,200.00
Yvonnie Glasgo $ 425.00 $ 8,500.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 23,925.00
Ellis Jack, Jr. $ 200.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 27,700.00
Albert Doucet, Jr. $ 450.00 $ 20,000.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 35,450.00
Debra McZeal $ 350.00 $ 28,000.00 $ - $ 10,000.00 $ 38,350.00
Tommy Mumford $ 200.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 30,200.00
John D. Smith $ 459.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 45,459.00

Mr. Timpa’s damages were reduced to $50,000.00 pursuant to the damages cap

stipulated to prior to trial.

CITGO has timely appealed the judgment of the trial court, asserting the

following assignments of error:

1. The district court erred in finding that nine of the plaintiffs [Albert Doucet,
Odelia Dowling, Yvonne Glasgo, Ellis Jack, Ricky Matthews, Leslie
Mouton, Debra McZeal, Tommy Mumford, and John Smith] proved
causation, because they failed to present expert testimony or other
objective evidence that they were exposed to chemicals released by
CITGO. Plaintiffs’ lay testimony about detecting an odor or seeing an oily
substance in the water, and then experiencing common symptoms such as
headaches or sinus congestion, is insufficient to establish exposure without
expert testimony showing that they were in fact exposed to CITGO’s
chemicals.

2. The district court erred in awarding damages for fear of developing disease
to eleven plaintiffs [Albert Doucet, Yvonne Glasgo, Ellis Jack, Ricky
Matthews, Tommy Mumford, John Smith, Donald Mouton, Ebony
Mouton Jack, John Thibodeaux, and Michael Colletta]. Under Louisiana
law, a plaintiff must prove that his exposure placed his future health at risk
to recover for fears about his future health. Seven plaintiffs failed to prove
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exposure at all – much less risk of future health problems related to an
exposure – and three failed to prove exposure to any substance that
possibly could cause future health problems. Thus, their awards for future
health concerns were erroneous. An additional plaintiff, Michael Colletta,
received an award based on fears about future health even though he gave
no testimony about any such fears at trial. His award should be reversed
as well.

3. The district court erred in awarding damages for lost enjoyment of life to
twenty-four of the twenty-six plaintiffs [all except Terryl Lambright and
Stephen L’Hoste] because they did not testify or offer any other evidence
about whether and how their quality of life diminished because of their
alleged exposure-related injuries.

ANALYSIS

Standard of Review

This court in Bradford, 237 So.3d at 657-58, discussed the applicable standard

of review herein:

An appellate court may not set aside a trial court's findings of fact
in the absence of manifest error or unless it is clearly wrong. Stobart v.
State, Through DOTD, 617 So.2d 880 (La.1993); Rosell v. ESCO, 549
So.2d 840 (La.1989). A two-tiered test must be applied in order to reverse
the findings of the trial court: (a) the appellate court must find from the
record that a reasonable factual basis does not exist for the finding of the
trial court; and (b) the appellate court must further determine that the
record establishes that the finding of the trial court is clearly wrong
(manifestly erroneous). Mart v. Hill, 505 So.2d 1120 (La.1987).

Even where the appellate court believes its inferences are more
reasonable than the fact finders, reasonable determinations and inferences
of fact should not be disturbed on appeal. Arceneaux v. Domingue, 365
So.2d 1330 (La.1978). Additionally, a reviewing court must keep in mind
that if a trial court’s findings are reasonable based upon the entire record
and evidence, an appellate court may not reverse said findings even if it is
convinced that had it been sitting as trier of fact it would have weighed
that evidence differently. Housely v. Cerise, 579 So.2d 973 (La.1991).
The basis for this principle of review is grounded not only upon the better
capacity of the trial court to evaluate live witnesses, but also upon the
proper allocation of trial and appellate functions between the respective
courts. Canter v. Koehring Co., 283 So.2d 716 (La.1973).

I. Causation

In a personal injury suit, a plaintiff has the burden of proving causation by a

preponderance of the evidence. Maranto v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 94-2603 (La.

2/20/95), 650 So.2d 757. The test for determining a causal relationship between an
5

accident and injury is whether the plaintiff proved through medical testimony that it is

more probable than not that the subsequent injuries were caused by the accident.

Maranto, 650 So.2d 757. CITGO argues that nine plaintiffs failed to prove that their

injuries were caused by exposure to either slop oil or the air release. In addition to

specific arguments about each of the nine plaintiffs, CITGO re-urges the argument it

made unsuccessfully in Bradford, 237 So.3d 648, namely that expert testimony is

required to prove both general causation and specific causation in a toxic tort case.

CITGO, in its brief, acknowledges “a panel of the Third Circuit rejected CITGO’s

appeal based on this same issue in [Bradford], CITGO believes this determination was

in error and has submitted a writ application to the Supreme Court, which remains

pending at the time of the filing of this brief.” The supreme court has since denied the

writ application taken on our ruling in Bradford. Bradford v. CITGO Petroleum Corp.,

18-272 (La. 5/11/18), 241 So.3d 314. Thus, this court has determined that while expert

testimony is required to prove causation, it is sufficient that there is expert testimony to

prove general causation and medical testimony to establish specific causation. Keeping

in mind these principals, we must evaluate whether each of the nine plaintiffs CITGO

complains of in its first assignment of error met their burden of proof to establish

causation.

CITGO does not dispute the same exposure evidence was submitted in this case

as in Bradford. The facts indicated the dangers of the oil spill did not evaporate within

twenty-four hours of June 19, nor did they abate at any time during the period that the

current plaintiffs assert exposure. While some of the plaintiffs could not recall the exact

date of their exposures, the record contains circumstantial evidence that tied their

exposures to the subject spills. Moreover, we also find wholly without merit any

inference by CITGO that any Plaintiff’s failure to immediately seek medical treatment

and/or continue working after any alleged exposure should be held against them. It is

unrefuted that CITGO told the community the released chemicals did not pose any
6

immediate health risk, thus inferring no immediate medical attention was necessary.

We addressed this argument in one of the earlier cases, stating as follows:

This court in Anthony [v. Georgia Gulf Lake Charles, LLC, 13-236,
p. 8 (La.App. 3 Cir. 5/21/14)], 146 So.3d at 253-54, addressed a similar
argument concerning an alleged failure to timely seek medical care after a
declaration by the defendant tortfeasor that such medical care was not
required:

As to Georgia Gulf’s argument that many of the
plaintiffs' damages awards should reflect a failure to timely
seek medical attention, plaintiffs note the respective trial
judges in Anthony, Billiot and Brown I rejected this argument
because it found Georgia Gulf failed to adequately inform the
public of the nature of the chemicals released. . . .

Thus, we find the respective trial judges in this
consolidated appeal had ample support for disregarding
Georgia Gulf’s argument that many plaintiffs were lax in
seeking medical attention in the days following the exposure.

We find a similar situation occurred in the present case, and find the
trial court did not err in disregarding CITGO’s arguments that Plaintiffs
should be penalized for any alleged failure to seek medical attention in the
days and weeks following the exposure.

Arabie, 175 So.3d at 1186.

As in the numerous prior cases involving the slop oil and air release from the

CITGO refinery, the plaintiffs presented Dr. Barry Levy, an occupational and

environmental health physician and epidemiologist with thirty-five years of experience,

who testified via deposition to establish general causation in this case. As noted by this

court previously, “Dr. Levy has clinically evaluated thousands of individuals who had

developed, or were at risk of developing, a wide range of adverse health effects as a

result of environmental and/or occupational exposure to chemical substances.”

Bradford, 237 So.3d at 661. Also testifying via deposition was Frank M. Parker, III, a

Certified Industrial Hygienist, who has published numerous articles on industrial

hygiene, toxic exposure, health and safety. Lastly, Plaintiffs offered the testimony of

Dr. Steve Springer, a board-certified physician in Family Practice, who has seen and

treated hundreds of chemical exposure patients.

7

Mr. Parker testified slop oil was released from the CITGO refinery on June 19,

2006 and contaminated the Calcasieu River coastline all the way to Big Lake. Many of

these plaintiffs described in their testimony a sheen or colorful rings in the water and

stated they smelled a foul odor. As Plaintiffs note, CITGO has produced no lay or

expert testimony to refute Mr. Parker’s testimony that placed hazardous chemicals

where a sheen or mousse-like substance accumulated as a result of the release. We will

examine the causation determinations for each plaintiff CITGO disputes.

The Louisiana Pigment Employees

Albert Doucet, Debra Ann McZeal, Tommy Mumford, and John Smith were

employees of Louisiana Pigment Company on June 19, 2006. It was alleged they were

exposed while working that day. Louisiana Pigment Company is located to the

northeast of the CITGO plant. It is approximately two miles from the CITGO refinery

and a half mile from the Calcasieu Ship Channel, which was contaminated with slop

oil.

Mr. Doucet testified he remembered a “strong smell” during the day in question.

He further testified he and several of his co-workers “were looking around to make sure

it wasn’t nothing from us and then some people in management came out and said it

was a release from CITGO.” Mr. Doucet testified he had immediate burning of his eyes

and nausea. He stated in the days that followed he suffered from burning in his throat,

itching, headaches and sinus problems. Dr. Springer testified that Mr. Doucet suffered

several days of eye pain, sore throat, nausea, and sinus irritation from exposure to

chemicals, and approximately seven months of increased headaches related to exposure

of either slop oil or hydrogen sulfide.

Ms. McZeal testified on June 19, 2006, she noticed a “different smell” after

which her “[e]yes started burning, her throat started hurting, [and she] got nauseated.”

She testified she sought treatment with Dr. Springer for those symptoms. She stated

she continues to suffer from sinus problems, which she had never experienced prior to
8

that day. Dr. Springer testified that in his medical opinion, one to two days of nausea,

sore throat, and eye burning, and nine months of headaches, sinus congestion, and pain

related to sinus congestion were caused by Ms. McZeal’s exposure to chemicals from

CITGO.

Tommy Mumford testified he was working at Louisiana Pigment on June 6,

2006. He stated he noticed a “distinct smell” that was a “little different.” Similar to

Mr. Doucet’s testimony, he and his co-workers immediately began to investigate if the

smell was coming from anything at Louisiana Pigment. He testified he immediately

suffered some eye irritation, nausea and sinus problems. He later began suffering from

persistent headaches. Dr. Springer testified that he believed Mr. Mumford suffered

several days of nausea, nosebleeds, and other sinus issues and more than three months

of headaches as a result of exposure to chemicals released by CITGO.

John Smith was also working at Louisiana Pigment on June 19, 2006. Mr. Smith

remembered everyone that day talking about the smell in the air and the subsequent

realization concerning the chemical release from CITGO. Mr. Smith testified he

suffered from eye irritation, nausea and diarrhea. Dr. Springer testified that, in addition

to three days of diarrhea and one to two days of nosebleed and eye irritation, Mr. Smith

suffered nine months of skin irritation as a result of exposure.

In support of its argument that the Louisiana Pigment plaintiffs failed to prove

exposure, CITGO points to testimony from Mr. Parker that for most of the day the wind

was blowing to the northwest and away from Louisiana Pigment. However, CITGO

acknowledges in brief that the wind shifted to the northeast in the afternoon, which

supports the Louisiana Pigment plaintiffs’ claims that they were exposed. These

Louisiana Pigment employees testified they smelled the strong odor in the afternoon.

Although CITGO argues in brief that “none of the plaintiffs testified that they detected

any odor or began having any symptoms in the late afternoon,” this simply ignores the

testimony of Albert Doucet (who stated specifically he noticed the “strong smell”
9

sometime “during the day” and immediately his eyes began to water and he felt

nauseous), Debra Ann McZeal (that she noticed a “different smell” and immediately

her “[e]yes started burning, her throat started hurting, [and she] got nauseated) and

Tommy Mumford (who noticed a “distinct smell” and began immediately suffering

from eye irritation, nausea and sinus problems). Although John Smith did not

specifically testify to recalling the foul odor, he remembered clearly everyone talking

about the problems at CITGO, as well as testifying he began suffering from eye

irritation, nausea and diarrhea.

Plaintiffs also note in Bradford, this court upheld an award of damages to Clara

Espree, who was east of Louisiana Pigment when she was found to have been exposed

to the air release. While Ms. Espree’s location is not in the trial court record before us,

we can take notice that a prior panel of this court affirmed the same trial judge’s finding

of exposure to a plaintiff that was northeast of the CITGO plant, as were the Louisiana

Pigment plaintiffs herein.

We find no manifest error in the trial court’s finding that each of the above

plaintiffs, who were working at Louisiana Pigment on June 19, 2006, proved a causal

link between their injuries and the exposure to the release of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur

dioxide from the CITGO refinery.

We do note the evidence and testimony herein does not support the trial court’s

finding that Mr. Mumford and Mr. Smith were also exposed to the slop oil. Both

plaintiffs testified they did not come in contact with any oil or see any oil, and the record

establishes they were approximately one-half mile away from the water on that day.

Thus, we reverse the trial court’s finding that those two plaintiffs were exposed to slop

oil.3

3
We note this finding does not change the general damage award for pain and suffering to
either plaintiff, as they are entitled to be compensated for the injuries they proved were linked to the
air release from the CITGO refinery. It does, however, require a reversal of the awards to Mr.
Mumford and Mr. Smith for fear of developing future disease as per this court’s decisions in Albarado
10

Leslie Mouton

Ms. Mouton testified she was exposed while bringing lunch to her nephew, James

Warner, who was working that day at Colonial Pipeline, which was approximately one

mile south of the CITGO refinery. Ms. Mouton testified, while at Colonial Pipeline,

she noticed an “unbelievable” smell. She stated her eyes started burning and her throat

began “tightening up.” Ms. Mouton also testified she had to pass in front of the CITGO

refinery on her way home from Colonial Pipeline. She suffered from shortness of

breath, headaches and sinus problems for several months following the CITGO release,

which Dr. Springer related to her exposure.

CITGO argues that Ms. Mouton could not have been exposed because there is no

evidence that the air release of hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide reached the facilities

at Colonial Pipeline. While Mr. Parker’s testimony may not support Ms. Mouton’s

claim that she was exposed while at Colonial Pipeline, there is ample evidence in the

record that the air release crossed Highway 108. There was no dispute that Ms. Mouton

drove past the CITGO refinery on Highway 108 on her way home from Colonial

Pipeline. Ms. Mouton even testified she recalled noticing much more activity at CITGO

when she passed by the plant that day. Therefore, we find the record reasonably

supports the trial court’s finding of a causal link between Ms. Mouton’s injuries and her

exposure to the air release from the CITGO refinery.

Yvonne Glasgo and Ricky Matthews

Ms. Glasgo and Mr. Matthews were participating in a family event at the I-210

beach on June 20, 2006. This was the same family event for which five plaintiffs were

awarded damages for exposure to slop oil, which was subsequently affirmed by this

court in Bradford. The fact that five plaintiffs recovered damages in Bradford does not

and Fontenot (wherein we found there is no evidence that exposure to hydrogen sulfide or sulfur
dioxide cause long-term health problems; and it was error for the trial courts in those cases to award
damages to plaintiffs who only proved exposure to the air release from CITGO).
11

alone satisfy Ms. Glasgo and Mr. Matthew’s burden of establishing they suffered

injuries due to their alleged exposure at the I-210 beach, but it does establish that this

court found the presence of slop oil on the date in question at the I-210 beach. While

the Bradford court’s finding as to causation is not binding on this court in this case for

these plaintiffs, it is certainly persuasive. The date, time and location at question before

us is identical to that before this court in Bradford.

CITGO argues there was no credible evidence to establish the slop oil traveled

the approximate three-mile distance upriver to the I-210 beach area. CITGO’s reliance

on the lack of any report of slop oil traveling that far upriver conveniently ignores that

CITGO told its employees to stop trying to determine how far the slop oil went. The

line of cases on this disaster reflect CITGO’s dilatory behavior in its response to, and

investigation of, the release of toxic chemicals into the surrounding community. It was

not until 7:39 p.m. on June 23, 2018, four days after the disaster, that CITGO made its

first public announcement of the crisis. Mr. Parker repeatedly opined on the failure of

CITGO to warn the community as well as his belief CITGO’s air monitoring data was

inconsistent with first-hand observations obtained from fact witnesses as well as other

documents provided by CITGO. See Arabie v. CITGO Petroleum Corp., 10-244

(La.App. 3 Cir. 10/27/10), 49 So.3d 529, writ granted, 10-2605 (La. 2/4/11), 56 So.3d

981, aff'd in part, rev'd in part, 10-2605 (La. 3/13/12), 89 So.3d 307, wherein this court

noted the trial court’s finding of fraud on CITGO’s part, CITGO’s failure to warn the

local populace of its existing MSDS on the spilled product, and CITGO’s cognizant

misinformation to government agencies of the status and capabilities of its facility.

We find the testimony of the plaintiffs, which the trial court found credible,

supports the finding of exposure to slop oil. Ms. Glasgo testified she was with the

Richard family to celebrate the passing of one of her relatives. She testified while at

the beach she started “smelling bad smells and noticed rainbows in the water and

noticed that it was an oily substance on the water.” Ms. Glasgo testified she had gone
12

in the water on that date and began suffering from nausea and stomach pain. The record

also established Ms. Glasgo went to the emergency room two days later for skin boils.

She ultimately suffered from months of fatigue and sinus problems. Dr. Springer

related her injuries to exposure to slop oil.

Mr. Matthews was also with the Richard Family that day. He testified “a sheen

came over the water and it was kind of shiny, different colors . . . and it was a smell, an

oily smell.” Mr. Matthews noted he and others were standing in the water fishing. He

also stated they ate several of the fish they caught that day. He testified he began

suffering from stomach problems and headaches, which became on “ongoing type

situation.” He also experienced shortness of breath, depression, coughing and problems

sleeping. Dr. Springer opined Mr. Matthews’ injuries were a result of his exposure to

slop oil.

We find no manifest error in the trial court’s finding that Ms. Glasgo and Mr.

Matthews were exposed to slop oil while at the I-210 beach on June 20, 2006 and affirm

the award of damages as to these plaintiffs.

Odelia Dowling

Ms. Dowling died before the trial of this matter, and before her deposition could

be taken. The trial court noted Ms. Dowling brought her daughter’s fiancée lunch at

the CITGO facility on June 20, 2006 and visited her son at his home which was less

than two miles from the CITGO facility. Evidence of her alleged exposure came from

a visit to her family physician, Dr. Jason Morris, on July 31, 2006, wherein she

complained of headaches, severe sinus congestion, severe post nasal drainage, a dry

cough, and an upset stomach with intermittent bouts of diarrhea for several weeks. She

told Dr. Morris while at the CITGO facility she smelled a foul odor and became

nauseated. Dr. Springer, who did not examine Ms. Dowling, opined, after reading Dr.

Morris’ report, that her symptoms were related to exposure of chemicals from CITGO.

13

CITGO notes the air release occurred the day prior to Ms. Dowling coming to

the CITGO plant. Thus, they contend there was “limited evidence” regarding Ms.

Dowling’s exposure to support a causation finding. We disagree. While noting the air

release did occur the day before Ms. Dowling visited the CITGO facility, the evidence

established in the hours prior to her visit 200,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide and massive

amounts of hydrogen sulfide were released into the atmosphere and into the surrounding

area, which included her son’s residence. The Occupational Health Guideline

recommends continued medical surveillance from exposure to sulfur dioxide and

hydrogen sulfide because it just doesn’t vanish; it lingers. Moreover, if CITGO had

timely informed the public of the slop oil and air release, it is highly likely Ms. Dowling

would not have driven to the CITGO facility. Thus, we cannot say the trial court

manifestly erred in finding Ms. Dowling was exposed to the air release and in awarding

damages to Ms. Dowling.

Ellis Jack

Mr. Jack testified he was exposed to slop oil when fishing with his daughter and

son-in-law somewhere in Big Lake, when “a film of oil just came up on the water.”4

He testified after seeing the film, he pulled up the anchor, and they returned to shore

rather than simply changing locations and continuing to fish. Mr. Jack was unable to

testify as to what date this occurred on and could only state he believed it was on a

weekday. He was certain they launched the boat from the I-210 beach boat launch and

4
We note the trial court mistakenly wrote in its written reasons for judgment that
Mr. Jack’s injuries were “a result of his exposure to the CITGO air release.” As CITGO
notes, Mr. Jack’s “claim at trial plainly was based on exposure to the oil spill.”
Plaintiffs also agree the trial court made a mistake in classifying Mr. Jack’s exposure
as coming from the air release, and note all the factors listed in the trial court’s reasons
for judgment, i.e., “set out from the 210 beach,” “saw an ‘oily-type’ film out on the
water,” clearly indicate the trial court intended to find Mr. Jack’s exposure was to the
slop oil rather than the air release. Thus, it is clear the trial court simply made a mistake
(Mr. Jack was one of twenty-six plaintiffs in these consolidated cases). We find reversal
of the award to Mr. Jack is warranted, not because of this inadvertent mistake, but
because the evidence did not support his alleged exposure to slop oil.
14

were fishing in Big Lake when the oil film was encountered. He testified he was not

aware of the CITGO refinery disaster at that time and only became aware of it later

while watching television. Shortly thereafter he contacted an attorney.

CITGO maintains Mr. Jack’s story is implausible because to get to Big Lake he

would have had to travel past the CITGO refinery down the Calcasieu Ship Channel.

The evidence shows that the Coast Guard closed the ship channel to recreational traffic

around the CITGO facility (from markers 100-109) beginning the early morning hours

of June 21, 2006 until July 6, 2006. This time frame encompasses the time period when

Mr. Jack claims he went fishing. If he was fishing in Big Lake on June 21, 2006, or

later, the route Mr. Jack would have had to take to get from the I-210 beach to Big Lake

was by way of the ship channel, which was closed. Mr. Jack stated he did not see any

Coast Guard boats or any clean-up boats when he allegedly went through the ship

channel. Mr. Jack was unable to explain this implausibility in his testimony.

Moreover, on cross-examination it was admitted by Mr. Jack that he has filed suit

in numerous other environmental disaster cases. Just a few months after his alleged

exposure to slop oil, he alleged exposure to harmful chemicals in the Georgia Gulf

incident, for which he filed suit. Mr. Jack also has filed lawsuits pertaining to a second

incident at Georgia Gulf, an incident at Conoco and a prior suit involving the Eunice

Train Derailment. Mr. Jack also acknowledged he has “been in several lawsuits

involving car accidents.”

Mr. Jack also claimed he had been to see Dr. Susan Jones, his family doctor for

treatment. No records were introduced at trial as to these visits, and Mr. Jack could

only explain this by stating Dr. Jones had suffered a stroke and had to retire. Mr. Jack

also stated, despite alleging direct contact with the slop oil, he only required nasal

sprays from Dr. Jones. This is inconsistent with direct exposure to slop oil.

We find the evidence and testimony concerning Mr. Jack’s alleged exposure to

slop oil is too incredulous to warrant an award of damages in this case. The trial court’s
15

finding in that regard is unreasonable and manifestly erroneous. We therefore reverse

the trial court’s judgment finding Mr. Jack was exposed to slop oil and the

accompanying award of damages.

II. General damages for fear of future injury

In its second assignment of error, CITGO contends the trial court erred in

awarding damages for fear of developing disease to eleven plaintiffs [Albert Doucet,

Yvonne Glasgo, Ellis Jack, Ricky Matthews, Tommy Mumford, John Smith, Donald

Mouton, Ebony Mouton Jack, John Thibodeaux, and Michael Colletta.]

In Albarado and in Fontenot, this court found there is no evidence that exposure

to hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide cause long-term health problems. Thus, we held

that it was error for the trial courts in those cases to award damages for fear of future

injury to plaintiffs who only proved exposure to the air release from CITGO. Plaintiffs

concede in their brief that CITGO “is correct that awards for future injury for exposure

to the air release for Albert Doucet, Leslie Mouton, Donald Mouton, Ebony Mouton

Jack, John Thibodeaux and John Smith are inappropriate.” Likewise, because we have

found that Mr. Mumford was only exposed to the air release, his award for fear of future

damages is reversed. The Plaintiffs also concede that Mr. Colletta did not offer any

evidence that he feared a future illness as a result of his exposure and that his award for

fear of future injury should be reversed. As stated previously, Mr. Jack did not prove

he was exposed to the slop oil, therefore his award of damages is reversed in its entirety.

We find no merit in CITGO’s contention that the awards rendered to Ricky

Matthews and Yvonne Glasgo should be reversed. Both of those plaintiffs proved

exposure to slop oil and that their injuries were linked to that exposure. Likewise, both

Mr. Matthews and Ms. Glasgo testified they were concerned as to the unknown effects

the exposure could have on their future health.

16

III. General damages for loss of enjoyment of life

In its third assignment of error, CITGO argues that the loss of enjoyment of life

damages to twenty-four of the twenty-six plaintiffs are unsupported by the evidence.

The awards for loss of enjoyment of life to Mr. L’Hoste and Mr. Lambright are not

challenged in this assignment of error. “Loss of enjoyment of life refers to detrimental

alterations of a person’s life or lifestyle or a person’s inability to participate in the

activities or pleasures of life he enjoyed prior to the injury. Kelley v. General Insurance

Company of America, 14-180 (La.App. 1 Cir. 12/23/14), 168 So.3d 528, 545, writs

denied, 15-157, 15-165 (La. 4/10/15), 163 So.3d 816, 816, citing McGee v. A C and S,

Inc., 05-1036 (La. 7/10/06), 933 So.2d 770; see also Day v. Ouachita Parish School

Board, 35,831 (La.App. 2 Cir. 8/8/02), 823 So.2d 1039, writ denied, 02-2532 (La.

12/19/02), 833 So.2d 343.

CITGO argues the testimony of the remaining plaintiffs does not show that the

exposure to chemicals resulted in a detrimental alteration of their life or an inability to

participate in the activities or pleasures of life that were formerly enjoyed. Plaintiffs

argue these twenty-four plaintiffs testified about the symptoms that they suffered from

as a result of their exposure to CITGO’s release of chemicals, that they continued to

live and work while suffering with these maladies, and that the trial court properly found

they suffered a disruption in their normal quality of life. CITGO concedes that distinct

general damage awards for ‘pain and suffering’ and ‘loss of enjoyment of life’ are

appropriate, but only when there is sufficient proof to support each type of loss.

The trial court, in its written reasons for judgment, stated that each of the

plaintiffs “suffered an interruption of his normal quality of life.” CITGO points out in

its brief that none of the Plaintiffs missed work in this case. However, as Plaintiffs note,

there was never any allegation made that the injuries suffered from the exposure were

so debilitating as to make them miss work. Rather, Plaintiffs maintain the injuries

suffered from the exposure made work and life more difficult. We further note the
17

damages awards for loss of enjoyment of life to these plaintiffs is low, ranging from

$3,000.00 to $10,000.00.

We find the testimony in the record supports the trial court’s finding that the

plaintiffs suffered a detrimental change to their quality of life. CITGO seems to argue

because many plaintiffs did not testify they were prevented from performing certain

task or hobbies, this somehow negates the detrimental effects they suffered from their

exposure. Finding many of the plaintiffs suffered some combination of persistent

headaches, fatigue, nausea, sinus problems and sleeplessness, the trial court was

satisfied this amounted to a detrimental alteration to their normal quality of life. We

find no error in this finding. We will review the record as to each individual plaintiff

CITGO maintains was not entitled to an award of damages related to a loss of enjoyment

of life.

Patrick Bowling

Mr. Bowling was employed by Phoenix Electric and was exposed to the slop oil

at the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. Similar to many of the Phoenix Electric employees

who were exposed to the slop oil, he suffered from “massive” headaches and a constant

lack of energy. His symptoms also included burning of his eyes and sinus problems.

These complaints were linked to his exposure to the slop oil. We find no manifest error

in the trial court’s finding that Mr. Bowling’s lack of energy and massive headaches

caused a detrimental alteration to his life for the period of time they persisted. His

award of $10,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life is supported by the record.

Michael Colletta

Mr. Colletta was working for Phoenix Electric when he was exposed to the slop

oil at the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. Due to his exposure Mr. Colletta suffered from a

rash and lesions on his skin, as well as persistent headaches and recurring sore throat

for approximately six months. These problems were linked to Mr. Colletta’s exposure

to the slop oil. We find the trial court did not manifestly err in finding these problems
18

caused a detrimental alteration to Mr. Colletta’s life for the period of time they

persisted. His award of $5,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life is affirmed.

Michael Crewell

Mr. Crewell died prior to the trial on this matter. The transcript of his deposition

was entered into evidence in lieu of his testimony. Mr. Crewell was a Phoenix Electric

employee who was exposed to slop oil at the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. Mr. Crewell

testified after the exposure he began suffering from recurring migraine headaches,

which were so severe as to make him nauseated. He also suffered from shortness of

breath, fatigue and sleeplessness as a result of the exposure. Dr. Springer linked Mr.

Crewell’s problems to the slop oil exposure. We find the trial court did not manifestly

err in finding these problems amounted to a detrimental alteration to Mr. Crewell’s life.

The award of $10,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life is affirmed.

Dustin Daigle

Mr. Daigle was another employee of Phoenix Electric who was exposed to the

slop oil while working at the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. He suffered from eye and

sinus irritation, sore throat, coughing and nausea. His major, lasting complaints were

severe, migraine headaches and sinus problems. Mr. Daigle specifically testified his

migraine headaches and sinus problems had a major impact on his life for several

months. Dr. Springer linked Mr. Daigle’s problems to his exposure to the slop oil at

Calcasieu Refinery. The trial court obviously found Mr. Daigle’s testimony credible,

and we cannot find the decision to award him $3,500.00 in damages for loss of

enjoyment of life manifestly erroneous.

Zachary Forsyth

Mr. Forsyth was working for Phoenix Electric when he was exposed to the slop

oil while working at Calcasieu Refinery. Mr. Forsyth testified he noticed a foul odor

and saw the presence of oil on the bank and booms at the jobsite. Mr. Forsyth’s

symptoms included dizziness, shortness of breath, sleep problems, nausea, sore throat
19

and headaches as a result of his exposure. Mr. Forsyth candidly acknowledged his

symptoms resolved shortly after the job at Calcasieu Refinery ended. This was reflected

in the fact Mr. Forsyth received the smallest awards rendered by the trial court. We

find no manifest error in the trial court’s award of $3,000.00 to Mr. Forsyth for the

detrimental effect the exposure had on his life for that short period.

Chris Judice

Mr. Judice was also employed by Phoenix Electric and was exposed to the slop

oil at the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. His main complaints were severe sinus problems,

burning of the eyes, headaches and sore throat. His symptoms lasted from four to six

months. These complaints were linked to his exposure to the slop oil. We cannot say

the trial court manifestly erred in finding these problems detrimentally altered his life

and in awarding Mr. Judice $5,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life.

Larry Martin

Mr. Martin was working for Phoenix Electric at the Calcasieu Refinery when he

was exposed to the CITGO slop oil release. Mr. Forsyth testified he smelled a foul

odor, saw a sheen on the water and oil on the bank of the river. He immediately suffered

from burning of the eyes and nausea. He would go on to experience persistent, severe

headaches and insomnia for approximately two months. He testified he would be out

of breath when performing the most routine of tasks. His problems were linked to the

exposure to the CITGO slop oil. We find no manifest error in the trial court’s award of

$4,000.00 to Mr. Martin for the detrimental effect the exposure had on his life for that

period of time.

Richard McCoy

Mr. McCoy was another worker employed by Phoenix Electric who was exposed

to the slop oil at the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. He experienced persistent headaches

and sinus problems for approximately nine months. He also suffered from nausea and

sleeping difficulty after his exposure. He testified he felt constantly run down for that
20

nine-month period, which affected his energy level and led to sexual problems during

that period. We cannot say the trial court manifestly erred in finding these problems

caused a detrimental alteration to Mr. McCoy’s life during that period of time. His

award of $10,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life is affirmed.

Robert Paggen

Mr. Paggen was another employee of Phoenix Electric who was exposed to slop

oil at the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. Mr. Paggen testified he smelled a “strong, burning

odor” and saw a sheen out on the water. He immediately experienced nausea and a sore

throat. His main, longer-term problems were with severe headaches and fatigue for

approximately six months. In her reasons for judgment, the trial court noted Mr.

Paggen’s headaches “significantly impact[ed] his quality of life.” We find no manifest

error in the trial court’s award of $5,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life.

Corey Spikes

Mr. Spikes was another employee of Phoenix Electric who was exposed to the

slop oil while working at Calcasieu Refinery. Mr. Spikes testified he immediately

suffered from burning in his eyes, nose and throat upon exposure to the slop oil. Mr.

Spikes experienced persistent headaches, recurring stomach pain and sleep problems

for approximately two months following his exposure. Dr. Springer linked these

problems with Mr. Spikes’ exposure to the slop oil. We find no manifest error in the

trial court’s finding that Mr. Bowlings stomach problems and massive headaches

caused a detrimental alteration to his life for the two months they persisted. His award

of $3,500.00 for loss of enjoyment of life is supported by the record.

Sammy Timpa

Mr. Timpa was employed by Phoenix Electric and was exposed to the slop oil at

the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. His main complaints were sore throat, sinus problems,

headaches and nose bleeds. Mr. Timpa testified for several months he consistently felt

“run down,” with little to no energy and shortness of breath. His lack of energy was
21

also compounded by his problems sleeping. He also suffered from persistent, severe

headaches for several months. These complaints were linked to his exposure to the slop

oil. We cannot say the trial court manifestly erred in finding these problems

detrimentally altered his life and in awarding Mr. Timpa $10,000.00 for loss of

enjoyment of life.

Alton Young

Mr. Young was another employee of Phoenix Electric who was exposed to slop

oil at the Calcasieu Refinery jobsite. During his work at the docks, Mr. Young testified

he came into physical contact with the slop oil that was in the water. His immediate

short-term problems were burning of his eyes, diarrhea and headaches. Long term he

had recurring problems with a rash and lesions that would appear on his skin when he

became overheated or sweating. There was some discussion as to whether the rash may

have been hereditary, but the testimony was it had never appeared prior to the exposure.

Dr. Springer concluded Mr. Young’s problems were caused by the exposure. We find

no manifest error in the trial court’s determination that these problems detrimentally

altered Mr. Young’s life and affirm his award of $10,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of

life.

Albert Doucet

Mr. Doucet was an employee of Louisiana Pigment who was exposed to the air

release from the CITGO refinery. On that date, Mr. Doucet noticed a “strong smell”

and suffered an immediate burning of his eyes and nausea. He stated in the days that

followed he suffered from burning in his throat, itching, headaches and sinus problems.

He also suffered from seven months of persistent headaches and sinus problems. Dr.

Springer testified these problems were caused by the exposure to the CITGO air release.

We cannot say the trial court manifestly erred in finding these problems caused a

detrimental alteration to Mr. Doucet’s life for the period of time they persisted. His

award of $7,500.00 for loss of enjoyment of life is affirmed.
22

Debra Ann McZeal

Ms. McZeal was exposed to the CITGO air release while working at Louisiana

Pigment on June 19, 2006. Her immediate symptoms included burning of the eyes, a

sore throat and nausea. For approximately nine months she suffered from continual

sinus problems and recurring headaches. Dr. Springer related a short period of nausea,

sore throat, and eye burning, and nine months of headaches, sinus congestion, and pain

to Ms. McZeal’s exposure to chemicals from CITGO. We find no manifest error in the

trial court’s determination that these problems detrimentally altered Ms. McZeal’s life

and affirm her award of $10,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life.

Tommy Mumford

Mr. Mumford was an employee of Louisiana Pigment who was exposed to the

air release from the CITGO refinery on June 19, 2006. On that date, he noticed a

“distinct smell” and suffered an immediate burning of his eyes, nausea and coughing.

He testified he immediately suffered some eye irritation, nausea and sinus problems.

He later began suffering from persistent headaches. Dr. Springer related Mr.

Mumford’s problems to the air release and opined that Mr. Mumford suffered several

days of nausea, nosebleeds, and other sinus issues and more than three months of

headaches as a result of exposure to chemicals released by CITGO. We find no manifest

error in the trial court’s finding that these problems caused a detrimental alteration to

Mr. Mumford’s life and affirm the award of $5,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life.

John Smith

Mr. Smith was also exposed to the CITGO air release while working at Louisiana

Pigment on June 19, 2006. Mr. Smith testified he suffered from eye irritation, nausea

and diarrhea. Dr. Springer testified that, in addition to three days of diarrhea and one

to two days of nosebleed and eye irritation, Mr. Smith suffered nine months of skin

irritation and rash as a result of his exposure. We find no manifest error in the trial

court’s finding that Mr. Smith incurred a detrimental alteration to his life for the nine
23

months his symptoms persisted. His award of $10,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life

is supported by the record.

Odelia Dowling

As we noted previously, Ms. Dowling died before the trial of this matter, and

before her deposition could be taken. On June 20, 2006, Ms. Dowling brought her

daughter’s fiancée lunch at the CITGO facility on June 20, 2006 and visited her son at

his home which was less than two miles from the CITGO facility. She complained of

headaches, severe sinus congestion, severe post nasal drainage, a dry cough, and an

upset stomach with intermittent bouts of diarrhea for several weeks. She also suffered

from headaches and respiratory problems for approximately two months. Dr. Springer,

attributed her symptoms to exposure to the air release from CITGO. We find no

manifest error in the trial court’s determination that these problems detrimentally

altered Ms. Dowling’s life for the period they persisted and affirm her award of

$5,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life.

Donald Mouton

Mr. Mouton ran a lawn service and was in the Carlyss area (a few miles from the

CITGO refinery) to cut grass. He smelled an unusual odor and his eyes began burning

and he started coughing. He sought medical treatment with his family doctor for eye

and nose irritation. The evidence established he suffered significant respiratory

problems for a little over a month as a result of the exposure. We find no manifest error

in the trial court’s award of $3,500.00 to Mr. Mouton for the detrimental effect the

exposure had on his life for that short period.

Ebony (Mouton) Jack

Ms. Jack was with her former husband, Donald Mouton, in the Carlyss area,

when she was exposed to the CITGO air release. Ms. Jack was pregnant at the time.

She testified she noticed a foul smell and began experiencing dizziness, nausea and

headaches. Ms. Jack testified she suffered from persistent headaches, dizziness and
24

shortness of breath for approximately two months. Dr. Springer linked her problems to

the exposure to the air release. We also note Ms. Jack endured these problems while

she was pregnant, which likely exacerbated the difficulties she faced during that period.

We do not find the trial court manifestly erred in finding these problems detrimentally

altered Ms. Jack’s life for the period of time they persisted. Her award of $5,000.00 for

loss of enjoyment of life is affirmed.

John Thibodeaux

On June 19, 2006, Mr. Thibodeaux was visiting relatives who lived on Cities

Service Highway, which is near the CITGO facility. He smelled a terrible odor and

immediately began experiencing sinus congestion. He experienced headaches, sinus

problems, dizziness and shortness of breath for more than two months. During that

period, he went to the emergency room twice due to his discomfort. Dr. Springer

attributed Mr. Thibodeaux’s symptoms from exposure to the air release from CITGO.

We find no manifest error in the trial court’s determination that these problems

detrimentally altered Mr. Thibodeaux’s life during that period and affirm his award of

$5,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life.

Leslie Mouton

Ms. Mouton testified she was exposed to the air release while bringing lunch to

her nephew, James Warner, who was working at Colonial Pipeline, which was

approximately one mile south of the CITGO refinery. Ms. Mouton also drove past the

CITGO refinery on her way home from Colonial Pipeline. Ms. Mouton testified she

immediately noticed an “unbelievable” smell, and her eyes started burning and her

throat began “tightening up.” She suffered from shortness of breath, headaches and

sinus problems for several months following the CITGO release, which Dr. Springer

related to her exposure. We cannot say the trial court manifestly erred in finding these

problems caused a detrimental alteration to Ms. Mouton’s life for the period of time

they persisted. Her award of $3,500.00 for loss of enjoyment of life is affirmed.
25

Yvonne Glasgo

Ms. Glasgo was present at a function at the I-210 beach on June 20, 2006, when

she was exposed to slop oil. She testified while at the beach she started “smelling bad

smells and noticed rainbows in the water and noticed that it was oily substance on the

water.” Ms. Glasgo testified she had gone in the water on that date and immediately

began suffering from nausea and stomach pain. The record also established Ms. Glasgo

went to the emergency room two days later for skin boils. She ultimately suffered from

months of fatigue and sinus problems. Dr. Springer related her injuries to exposure to

the slop oil. We find no manifest error in the trial court’s finding that these problems

caused a detrimental alteration to Ms. Glasgo’s life and affirm the award of $5,000.00

for loss of enjoyment of life.

Ricky Matthews

Like Ms. Glasgo, Mr. Matthews attended the function at the I-210 beach on June

20, 2006, when he was exposed to slop oil. Mr. Matthews testified that “a sheen came

over the water and it was kind of shiny, different colors . . . and it was a smell, an oily

smell.” Mr. Matthews noted during the event he stood in the water fishing and they ate

several of the fish they caught that day. He testified he began suffering from stomach

problems and headaches, which became on “ongoing type situation.” The trial court

found Mr. Matthew “experienced respiratory problems, dizziness, anxiety and fatigue

for nine (9) months as a result of his exposure.” Clearly this had a detrimental effect

on Mr. Matthew’s quality of life. We find no manifest error in the trial court’s award

of $10,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life.

DECREE

For the reasons assigned herein, the judgment of the trial court finding Ellis Jack,

Jr. was exposed to the CITGO release of slop oil and accompanying award of damages

is reversed. The finding that Tommy Mumford and John Smith were exposed to slop

oil is reversed as the evidence established they were exposed to the air release only.
26

The portion of the opinion awarding damages for fear of future injury to Michael

Colletta, Albert Doucet, Donald Mouton, Leslie Mouton, Larry Mumford, Ebony

Mouton Jack, John Smith and John Thibodeaux is reversed. In all other respects the

judgment of the trial court is affirmed. All costs of these appeals are assessed to

appellant, CITGO Petroleum Corporation.

AFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED IN PART; AND RENDERED.

27

STATE OF LOUISIANA
COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT

CA 18-169 consolidated with CA 18-170, CA 18-171, CA 18-172, CA 18-173,
CA 18-174, CA 18-175, CA 18-176, & CA 18-179

PATRICK BOWLING, ET AL.

VERSUS

CITGO PETROLEUM CORPORATION, ET AL.

Pickett, J., concurs in part and dissents in part with written reasons.

A court of appeal will not set aside the findings of fact of a trial court unless

it determines the trial court’s finding were manifestly erroneous or clearly wrong.

Stobart v. State, through DOTD, 617 So.2d 880 (La.1993). In reviewing the entire

record, the appellate court must find that a reasonable factual basis does not exist for

the trial court’s finding and that the finding is clearly wrong (manifestly erroneous)

in order to reverse a trial court finding based on factual determinations. Mart v. Hill,

505 So.2d 1120 (La.1987). When reviewing an issue of law, though, we review the

record de novo to determine if the trial court’s legal conclusions are correct, without

deference to the trial court’s findings. Foti v. Holliday, 09-93 (La. 10/30/09), 27

So.3d 813.

Causation

CITGO argues that nine plaintiffs failed to prove that their injuries were

caused by exposure to either slop oil or the air release. In addition to specific

arguments about each of the nine plaintiffs, CITGO re-urges the argument it made

unsuccessfully in Bradford v. CITGO Petroleum Corp., 17-296 (La.App. 3 Cir.

1/10/18), 237 So.3d 648, writ denied, 18-272 (La. 5/11/18), namely that expert

testimony is required to prove both general causation and specific causation in a

toxic tort case. “General causation” refers to whether a toxic substance can cause a

particular harm in the general population, while “specific causation” refers to

whether the toxic substance caused a specific person’s injury or condition. Knight
1

v. Kirby Inland Marine, Inc., 482 F.3d 347, 351 (5th Cir. 2007). This court rejected

that argument. See Bradford, 237 So.3d at 659-660. The panel in Bradford found

that while expert testimony is required to prove causation, it is sufficient that there

is expert testimony to prove general causation and medical testimony to establish

specific causation. I agree with that conclusion.

Dr. Barry Levy, a physician and epidemiologist, testified via deposition to

establish general causation in this case, as he has done in numerous previous CITGO

cases. Frank Parker, an industrial hygienist, also testified via deposition to establish

general causation. Dr. Steve Springer, a family medicine doctor, testified as to the

specific causation of each of the twenty-six plaintiffs in this case. This court went

on in Bradford, though, to evaluate not only the medical testimony as to specific

causation, but also the circumstances of the exposure as related by individual

plaintiffs and evidence as to the spread of the oil slop from CITGO in the days

following the release. Keeping in mind these principles, my review of the evidence

provided in this case leads me to a different conclusion than the majority regarding

five of the plaintiffs about whether these plaintiffs met their burden of proving

specific causation.

The Louisiana Pigment Employees

Mr. Doucet, Ms. McZeal, Mr. Mumford, and Mr. Smith were employees of

Louisiana Pigment Company when they claim they were exposed to chemicals

released from CITGO. Louisiana Pigment is located to the northeast of the CITGO

plant. To support their claim of exposure, these plaintiffs rely on Mr. Parker’s

opinion about the amount of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide released from

CITGO’s stacks, and a chart purporting to show the wind direction at the time of the

thirteen-hour release, beginning at 3 a.m. on June 19, 2006. We note that the map

and wind direction chart introduced in the record in this case, exhibit seven to Mr.

Parker’s deposition, has print so small as to be illegible. Further, Mr. Parker’s

2

testimony indicates that the map is color-coded, yet the copy introduced into the

record before us is black and white. Thus, we can rely on Mr. Parker’s testimony

that the wind was generally calm on June 19, 2006, and when it did blow it went

from the southeast to the northwest. Exhibit 8 to Mr. Parker’s deposition shows the

911 calls made that day, with most of the calls made within a mile radius of CITGO

and to the northwest of the facility. Mr. Parker testified that there were no calls from

the northeast of CITGO. Mr. Parker also testified that employees of Firestone

Polymers, a company directly across the street from CITGO, were exposed to the air

release. See Albarado v. CITGO Petroleum Corp., 17-823 (La.App. 3 Cir. 5/16/18),

247 So.3d 818, where the plaintiffs were employees of Firestone Polymers.

The plaintiffs’ brief argues that a plaintiff in Bradford, Clara Espree, was east

of Louisiana Pigment when she was found to have been exposed to the air release.

The majority relies on this allegation in reaching its conclusion pertaining to

causation. Ms. Espree’s location is not in the trial court record before us, and

because in issues of fact we are confined to the evidence entered in the record before

us, the majority improperly considered her location in this appeal. The specific

testimony of these four plaintiffs, and of Dr. Springer about each of these four

plaintiffs, must be examined to determine if there is sufficient evidence in this record

to support the judgment of the trial court.

Albert Doucet, Jr.

Mr. Doucet testified that he was an operator at Louisiana Pigment in June

2006. Mr. Doucet testified that he was on break and remembered a strong smell. He

did not remember specifically what day his exposure occurred. He remembers his

eyes burning and his throat burning. He claimed at the trial that he still had

headaches that would come and go. While he testified that he saw his personal

doctor for his symptoms, there were no records of this appointment and Mr. Doucet

does not remember when this appointment occurred. Mr. Doucet did not see any oil

3

or come in contact with any oil. Mr. Doucet did not receive any documented

treatment for his injuries related to the exposure until he saw Dr. Springer on January

22, 2007.

Dr. Springer testified that Mr. Doucet suffered several days of eye pain, sore

throat, nausea, and sinus irritation from exposure to chemicals, and approximately

seven months of increased headaches related to exposure of either slop oil or

hydrogen sulfide. Dr. Springer did not have an opinion on whether Mr. Doucet was

exposed to slop oil or the air release.

The trial court found that Mr. Doucet was exposed to the air release. I find

manifest error in that conclusion. There is no evidence in the record to show what

day Mr. Doucet smelled the strong odor which allegedly caused his injuries. There

is no contemporaneous record of Mr. Doucet seeking medical treatment for these

injuries at the time he suffered them. There is no evidence he was actually at work

on the day of the release. I would reverse the trial court’s finding that Mr. Doucet’s

injuries are related to exposure to the air release from CITGO. I would also reverse

the damages awarded to Mr. Doucet.

Debra McZeal

Ms. McZeal testified that she was at work at Louisiana Pigment on the day of

the release. She was on a break outside when she noticed a strong smell. Her eyes

started burning, her throat hurt, and she became nauseated. She retreated inside. She

never saw any oil on the water or came in contact with oil. Dr. Springer treated Ms.

McZeal for her injuries in August 2006. At the time of the trial, she had forgotten

about her exposure in June 2006.

Dr. Springer testified that in his medical opinion, one to two days of nausea,

sore throat, and eye burning, and nine months of headaches, sinus congestion, and

pain related to sinus congestion were caused by Ms. McZeal’s exposure to chemicals

4

from CITGO. Dr. Springer testified that he did not know the details of Ms. McZeal’s

exposure, except that she was at Louisiana Pigment at the time.

While the evidence is paltry, the fact that Ms. McZeal testified that she was at

Louisiana Pigment “on the day of the release” constitutes sufficient evidence for the

trial court to determine that she was exposed on June 19, 2006. Thus, I concur with

the majority that there is no manifest error in the trial court’s conclusion that Ms.

McZeal was exposed to the air release on June 19, 2006.

Tommy Mumford

Mr. Mumford testified that he was working at Louisiana Pigment on the day

of the release. Mr. Mumford noticed a distinct smell, and he recalled his supervisor

instructing him to make sure it was not emanating from their site. He suffered some

nausea, a little eye irritation, and some sinus issues as a result of the exposure. He

did not come in contact with any oil or see any oil. He admitted that he had sinus

trouble before the exposure that was irritated by the exposure. He did not seek

medical treatment for the symptoms related to his alleged exposure.

Dr. Springer testified that he believed Mr. Mumford suffered several days of

nausea, nosebleeds, and other sinus issues and more than three months of headaches

as a result of exposure to chemicals released by CITGO. He testified that he never

examined Mr. Mumford, though he was around when Mr. Mumford went to his

office for a Pulmonary Function Test. His opinion did not include the specific

exposure, slop oil or air release, to which Mr. Mumford was exposed.

The trial court found that Mr. Mumford was exposed to the slop oil and the

air release. I concur with the majority’s conclusion it was manifestly erroneous for

the trial court to conclude that Mr. Mumford was exposed to the slop oil.

Nevertheless, I agree there is sufficient evidence to support the finding that he was

exposed to the air release.

5

John Smith

Mr. Smith did not smell anything out of the ordinary on the day he claims he

was exposed to the chemicals released from CITGO. He only came to believe he

was exposed when it became a topic of conversation at the plant. At that point, he

got concerned and contacted a law firm. He claimed to have no symptoms that lasted

more than a few days. Nevertheless, Dr. Springer testified that, in addition to three

days of diarrhea and one to two days of nosebleed and eye irritation, Mr. Smith

suffered nine months of skin irritation as a result of exposure. Dr. Springer clarified

that the skin irritation would only be caused by exposure to slop oil, not to the air

release. Dr. Springer also testified that he does not know if Mr. Smith was exposed

to the slop oil or to the air release.

I find manifest error in the trial court’s conclusion that Mr. Smith was exposed

to the air release or to slop oil. Mr. Smith, by his own admission, cannot recall his

exposure. I concur with the majority that there is no evidence that he was exposed

to slop oil. I would reverse the judgment of the trial court finding Mr. Smith’s

injuries were caused by CITGO, as well as the award of damages to Mr. Smith.

Leslie Mouton

I agree with the conclusion reached by the majority that evidence supports the

trial court’s finding that Ms. Mouton was exposed to the air release.

Yvonne Glasgo and Ricky Matthews

CITGO argues that there is no evidence that the slop oil from CITGO reached

the 210 beach, which was 3.6 miles upriver from CITGO, by June 20, 2006. The

plaintiffs argue that this court, in Bradford, affirmed a judgment finding that four

attendees of the Richard family event were exposed to slop oil, and Ms. Glasgo and

Mr. Matthews were at the same Richard family event. They argue the findings of

fact in Bradford constitute sufficient proof of exposure in this case. I disagree.

6

The plaintiffs, through their brief, reference findings of fact in Bradford which

they argue support the trial court’s findings of causation in this case. Proof of a fact

in one lawsuit does not constitute proof of a fact in a totally separate suit. This court

is confined to a review of the record before us as to a review of causation. The

plaintiff must provide proof in this record that harm suffered by the plaintiffs before

us was caused by the named defendant. Causation cannot be presumed. While a

factual issue may be common to two suits, a court’s factual determination in a suit

involving one person is not res judicata or binding in another suit involving a

different party or parties. State, through Dept. of Highways, 215 So.2d 142 (La.App.

3 Cir. 1968), citing Knighten v. American Auto. Ins. Co., 121 So.2d 344 (La.App. 1

Cir. 1960); see also La.R.S. 13:4231 (“a valid and final judgment is conclusive

between the same parties”).

According to Harvey Yee, an employee of CITGO who was on the internal

team who investigated the events of June 19, 2006, the release of slop oil into the

Indian Marais, a navigable channel that flows into the Calcasieu River and is

adjacent to the CITGO facility, occurred between 4:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on June

19, 2006. According to a timeline attached to the deposition of Darryl O’Bryant,

despite efforts to contain the spill by deploying booms, the evidence in the record

before us shows that the first time there was a report of slop oil in the Calcasieu

River was at 7:50 p.m. on June 20, 2006. This was several hours after Ms. Glasgo

and Mr. Matthews claim to have been exposed at the 210 beach. There is no credible

evidence to suggest that the slop oil traveled 3.6 miles upriver to the 210 beach

during the daytime hours. The slop oil had to travel upriver to reach the beach. The

only evidence in the record before us is that it reached the river late on that same

day. Notably, Mr. Parker, when asked in his deposition, testified that he had no

opinion about whether the slop oil reached the 210 beach on June 20, 2006. In fact,

7

the only evidence before us is that it was not possible for the slop oil to have reached

the beach at the time the plaintiffs say they were there.

The plaintiffs point to no evidence that the slop oil reached that location

except Dr. Springer’s testimony that “The court in Bradford v. CITGO established

that the Richards and Ms. Glasgo were at the 210 beach on June 20th and that the oil

had reached that area by that time.” Dr. Springer clearly solely relied on a court

ruling in another case to conclude exposure, not any medical finding. This circular

logic does not constitute proof of a tort. Unlike Angelina Richard in Bradford, there

is no contemporaneous visit to the doctor to complain of symptoms. In fact, Ms.

Glasgo went to the emergency room on June 22, 2006, complaining of boils on her

skin, but did not make any mention of exposure to slop oil. Her first complaint of

symptoms was when she saw Dr. Arimura in August 2006. Mr. Matthews first saw

a physician for symptoms he alleged were related to the CITGO release of slop oil

in September 2006. Mr. Matthews was also unclear on whether he was at the beach

on June 19 or June 20. Mr. Matthews’ records from Dr. Arimura’s office state he

was exposed to benzene a week after the June 19 or 20 exposure.

Given that there is no evidence in the record that the slop oil from CITGO

reached the 210 beach by June 20, 2006, and in fact the evidence reflects it could

not have, Yvonne Glasgo and Ricky Matthews failed to meet their burden of proving

exposure to CITGO slop oil. I would reverse the judgment of the trial court to the

contrary and the award of damages to Ms. Glasgo and Mr. Matthews.

Odelia Dowling

Ms. Dowling died before the trial of this matter, and before her deposition

could be taken. The only evidence of her is exposure is her statement to Dr. Jason

Morris on July 31, 2006, complaining of headaches, severe sinus congestion, severe

post nasal drainage, a dry cough, and an upset stomach with intermittent bouts of

diarrhea for five weeks. She told Dr. Morris that she delivered lunch to her

8

daughter’s fiancée on June 20, 2006. Dr. Springer, who did not examine Ms.

Dowling, opined that her symptoms were related to exposure of chemicals from

CITGO. The trial court found she was exposed to the air release from CITGO and

that exposure caused her injuries. It is undisputed, however, that the air release

ended on the afternoon of June 19, 2006. The air release had completely ceased

twenty hours before she was at the plant. I would find that the trial court committed

manifest error in finding Ms. Dowling was exposed to the air release and in awarding

damages to Ms. Dowling.

Ellis Jack

I concur with the majority’s conclusion that Mr. Jack failed to prove causation

and with the reversal of the award of damages to Mr. Jack.

General damages for future injury

For the reasons assigned by the majority, I concur in the reversal of the award

for general damages for fear of future injury to Leslie Mouton, Donald Mouton,

Ebony Mouton Jack, John Thibodeaux, Tommy Mumford, Michael Colletta, and

Ellis Jack. Because I find that Albert Doucet, John Smith, Ricky Matthews, and

Yvonne Glasgo failed to prove exposure as outlined above, I would also reverse their

awards for fear of future injury.

General damages for fear loss of enjoyment of life

In its third assignment of error, CITGO argues that the loss of enjoyment of

life damages to twenty-four of the twenty-six plaintiffs are unsupported by the

evidence. The awards for loss of enjoyment of life to Mr. L’Hoste and Mr.

Lambright are not challenged in this assignment of error. CITGO argues that the

testimony of the remaining plaintiffs does not show that the exposure to chemicals

resulted in “detrimental alterations of a person’s life or lifestyle or a person’s

inability to participate in the activities or pleasures of life that were formerly

9

enjoyed.” McGee v. A C and S, Inc., 05-1036, p. 3 (La. 7/10/06), 933 So.2d 770,

774. In the plaintiffs’ brief, they argue that these twenty-four plaintiffs testified

about the symptoms that they suffered from as a result of their exposure to CITGO’s

release of chemicals, that they continued to live and work while suffering with these

maladies, and that the trial court properly found they suffered a disruption in their

normal quality of life. The plaintiffs also argue that it was wholly appropriate for

the trial court to make general damage awards for both pain and suffering and loss

of enjoyment of life, citing McGee. CITGO concedes that distinct general damage

awards for ‘pain and suffering’ and ‘loss of enjoyment of life’ are appropriate, but

only when there is sufficient proof to support each type of loss.

In McGee, 933 So.2d 770, 774-75, the supreme court recognized loss of

enjoyment of life as an element of general damages, stating:

La. C.C. art. 2315 authorizes a tort victim to be compensated for
the damage sustained as a result of the delict, including those for loss
of enjoyment of life, if proven. Moreover, this court has clearly defined
general damages to include loss of enjoyment of life. Consequently,
loss of enjoyment of life is a compensable component of general
damages under both La. C.C. art. 2315 and this court’s existing
definition of general damages. Therefore, the only remaining issue is
whether loss of enjoyment of life may be separated from other elements
of general damages, such as mental and physical pain and suffering,
and whether that separation may be reflected by having a line for loss
of enjoyment of life on a jury verdict form. See Joseph v. Broussard
Rice Mill, Inc., 00-0628, p. 1 (La.10/30/00), 772 So.2d 94, 106-107
(Victory, J., assigning additional reasons) (stating “this Court has never
squarely addressed the issue of awarding hedonic damages for loss of
enjoyment of life as a separate element of damages”).

As established above, loss of enjoyment of life is a component
of general damages and therefore loss of enjoyment of life is not
separate and distinct from general damages. Nevertheless, general
damages in Louisiana are routinely dissected. Courts commonly list
different elements of general damages, including mental anguish and
physical pain and suffering, both past and future, separately. In
addition, general damages for permanent scarring and/or disfigurement
are often listed separately. See, e.g., Joseph, 00-0628 at p. 17
(La.10/30/00), 772 So.2d at 106-107, n. 6; Degruise v. Houma Courier
Newspaper Corp., 95-1862, p. 9 (La.11/25/96), 683 So.2d 689, 694.
Thus, allowing a separate award for loss of enjoyment of life would not
offend the existing concept of general damages and would reflect the
accepted method of listing elements of general damages separately.

10

Moreover, loss of enjoyment of life is conceptually distinct from
other components of general damages, including pain and suffering.
Pain and suffering, both physical and mental, refers to the pain,
discomfort, inconvenience, anguish, and emotional trauma that
accompanies an injury. Loss of enjoyment of life, in comparison, refers
to detrimental alterations of the person’s life or lifestyle or the person’s
inability to participate in the activities or pleasures of life that were
formerly enjoyed prior to the injury. In contrast to pain and suffering,
whether or not a plaintiff experiences a detrimental lifestyle change
depends on both the nature and severity of the injury and the lifestyle
of the plaintiff prior to the injury.

This court, citing McGee, recently explained that a factfinder must consider

the nature and severity of the injury to the plaintiff and the lifestyle he enjoyed prior

to the injury when determining whether he sustained a loss of enjoyment of life.

Minton v. GEICO Casualty Co., 16-592 (La.App. 3 Cir. 3/8/17), 215 So.3d 290. The

trial court, in its written reasons for judgment, stated that each of the plaintiffs

“suffered an interruption of his normal quality of life.”

This court awarded damages of $30,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life to a

plaintiff who, as a result of injuries suffered in a car accident, could not care for her

aged mother, needed her son’s help in doing household chores, and could no longer

participate in activities she enjoyed, particularly dancing and running. Clement v.

Citron, 13-63 (La.App. 6/19/13), 115 So.3d 1260. In Minton, 215 So.3d 290, this

court awarded $75,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life damages for a plaintiff who

could no longer umpire or bowl as a result of his injuries, and whose activities with

his grandchildren and at church were limited. In Stutes v. Greenwood Motor Lines,

Inc., 17-52, 17-567, 17-568 (La.App. 3 Cir. 11/22/17), 234 So.2d 75, this court

affirmed an award of $6,000,000.00 for loss of enjoyment of life damages to a

plaintiff rendered a paraplegic when a tractor-trailer crossed the center line and

collided with his vehicle. Mr. Stutes introduced evidence that he needed assistance

with his bodily functions, had little privacy, and he can no longer dress or feed

himself. He also testified that he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and

11

woodworking before the accident. He also expressed sadness that he would not be

able to play with his expected grandchild as he would have had he not been injured.

Each of the plaintiffs in these three cases introduced evidence to support the award

of damages for loss of enjoyment of life.

In this case, there was testimony from each of the plaintiffs about their pain

and suffering related to their exposure to chemicals released by CITGO, as outlined

by the majority. The trial court granted damages for pain and suffering. We can

find no evidence, testimonial or documentary, to show how any one of the plaintiffs

suffered a detrimental change in their lifestyle. There was no evidence adduced that

any plaintiff was unable to perform any task or enjoy any pleasure or any activity

before June 19, 2006, that they could not perform after their exposure to the chemical

released by CITGO. In fact, what evidence that was elicited from plaintiffs shows

that they did not suffer any damages related to a loss of enjoyment of life. Several

plaintiffs testified that they did not miss any work because of their exposure. Only

three plaintiffs specifically testified about potential loss of enjoyment of life

damages. Mr. Mumford testified under cross-examination that his exposure to slop

oil fumes did not interfere with daily activities outside of work. Ms. Glasgo, whose

damages we reverse because she failed to prove causation, testified under cross-

examination that her symptoms did not prevent her from doing any hobbies or

activities. This testimony does not support a finding that these two plaintiffs are

entitled to damages for loss of enjoyment of life. Mr. Daigle, during redirect

examination, testified that his headaches and sinus issues for one or two months had

a major impact on his life, but he did not say how. Mr. Crewell, in a deposition

taken before he died, stated that he missed one day of work because of a migraine

headache approximately six weeks after the exposure. This testimony, given the

lack of specific details about how either of these men’s lives were affected, is

insufficient to support an award for loss of enjoyment of life damages.

12

I would find that of those plaintiffs who proved exposure to either the CITGO

release of slop oil or of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, the evidence presented

in this record supports the claims for pain and suffering awarded to the plaintiffs.

However, I find those plaintiffs failed to prove entitlement to damages for loss of

enjoyment of life, and the trial court erred in making an award for loss of enjoyment

of life damages. Thus, I would reverse the following monetary awards: in docket

number 18-169, to Mr. Bowling, $10,000.00; to Mr. Colletta, $5,000.00; to Mr.

Crewell, $10,000.00; to Mr. Daigle, $3,500.00; to Mr. Forsyth, $3,000.00; to Mr.

Judice, $5,000.00; to Mr. Martin, $4,000.00; to Mr. McCoy, $10,000.00; to Mr.

Paggen, $5,000.00; to Mr. Spikes, $3,500.00; to Mr. Timpa, $10,000.00; to Mr.

Young, $10,000.00; in docket number 18-170, to Mr. Mouton, $3,500.00; to Ms.

Jack, $5,000.00; in docket number 18-173, to Ms. Mouton, $3,500.00; in docket

number 18-174, to Mr. Thibodeaux, $5,000.00; and in docket number 18-179, to Ms.

McZeal, $10,000.00 and to Mr. Mumford, $5,000.00.

CONCLUSION

As it relates to the plaintiffs in docket number 18-169, I concur that the

judgment of the trial court awarding $10,000.00 to Michael Colletta for general

damages for fear of developing disease should be reversed. I dissent from the

majority opinion and would reverse the judgment of the trial court awarding

$10,000.00 to Patrick Bowling, $5,000.00 to Mr. Colletta, $10,000.00 to Michael

Crewell, $3,500.00 to Dustin Daigle, $3,000.00 to Zachary Forsyth, $5,000.00 to

Chris Judice, $4,000.00 to Larry Martin, $10,000.00 to Richard McCoy, $5,000.00

to Robert Paggen, $3,500.00 to Corey Spikes, and $10,000.00 to Alton Young for

general damages for loss of enjoyment of life. I would amend Mr. Timpa’s damage

award to $43,350.00. In all other respects, the I concur that judgment of the trial

court in docket number 18-169 should be affirmed.

13

As it relates to the plaintiffs in docket number 18-170, I concur with the

majority that the judgment of the trial court awarding $10,000.00 to Donald Mouton

and $10,000.00 to Ebony Mouton Jack for general damages for fear of developing

disease should be reversed. I dissent from the majority opinion and would reverse

the judgment of the trial court awarding $3,500.00 to Mr. Mouton and $5,000.00 to

Ms. Jack for general damages for loss of enjoyment of life. In all other respects, I

concur that the judgment of the trial court in docket number 18-170 should be

affirmed.

As it relates to the plaintiff in docket number 18-171, I dissent from the

majority opinion and would reverse the judgment of the trial court finding the

damages alleged by Odelia Dowling were caused by the release of hydrogen sulfide

or sulfur dioxide into the air by CITGO and would reverse the damages in the amount

of $13,200.00 awarded to Ms. Dowling.

As it relates to the plaintiff in docket number 18-172, I dissent from the

majority opinion and would reverse the judgment of the trial court finding the

damages alleged by Ricky Matthews were caused by exposure to slop oil released

by CITGO and would reverse the damages in the amount of $45,732.00 awarded to

Mr. Matthews.

As it relates to the plaintiff in docket number 18-173, I concur in the opinion

of the majority that the judgment of the trial court finding Leslie Mouton’s damages

were caused by exposure to hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide released into the air

by CITGO. I agree that the judgment of the trial court awarding $10,000.00 to Ms.

Mouton for fear of developing disease should be reversed. I dissent from the

majority opinion and would reverse the judgment of the trial court awarding

$3,500.00 to Ms. Mouton for general damages for loss of enjoyment of life. In all

other respects, I agree that the judgment of the trial court should be affirmed.

14

As it relates to the plaintiff in docket number 18-174, I agree that the judgment

of the trial court awarding $10,000.00 to John Thibodeaux for fear of developing

disease should be reversed. I dissent from the majority opinion and would reverse

the judgment of the trial court awarding $5,000.00 to Mr. Thibodeaux for general

damages for loss of enjoyment of life. In all other respects, I agree that the judgment

of the trial court should be affirmed.

As it relates to the plaintiff in docket number 18-175, I dissent from the

majority opinion and would reverse the judgment of the trial court finding the

damages alleged by Yvonne Glasgo were caused by exposure to slop oil released by

CITGO and would reverse the damages in the amount of $23,925.00 awarded to Ms.

Glasgo.

As it relates to the plaintiff in docket number 18-176, I agree with the majority

that the judgment of the trial court finding the damages alleged by Ellis Jack, Jr.

were caused by exposure to hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide released into the air

by CITGO should be reversed, as well as the damages in the amount of $27,700.00

awarded to Mr. Jack.

As it relates to the plaintiffs in docket number 18-179, I dissent from the

majority and would reverse the judgment of the trial court finding the damages

alleged by Albert Doucet, Jr. were caused by exposure to hydrogen sulfide or sulfur

dioxide released into the air by CITGO and the damages in the amount of $35,450.00

awarded to Mr. Doucet. I dissent from the majority and would reverse the judgment

of the trial court finding the damages alleged by John Smith were causes by exposure

to the air release by CITGO or to slop oil released by CITGO and the damages in

the amount of $45,459.00 awarded to Mr. Smith. I concur that the judgment of the

trial court finding Debra McZeal’s damages were caused by exposure to hydrogen

sulfide and sulfur dioxide released into the air by CITGO should be affirmed. I

dissent from the majority and would reverse the judgment of the trial court awarding

15

$10,000.00 to Ms. McZeal for general damages for loss of enjoyment of life. I

concur with the majority in affirming the judgment of the trial court finding Tommy

Mumford’s damages were caused by exposure to hydrogen sulfide and sulfur

dioxide released into the air by CITGO but the trial court’s finding that Mr.

Mumford’s damages were caused by exposure to slop oil released by CITGO should

be reversed. I agree with the majority opinion that the judgment of the trial court

awarding $10,000.00 to Mr. Mumford for general damages for fear of developing

disease should be reversed. I dissent from the majority opinion and would reverse

the judgment of the trial court awarding $5,000.00 to Mr. Mumford for general

damages for loss of enjoyment of life. In all other respects, I would find the

judgment of the trial court should be affirmed.

16