Philadelphia — A Philadelphia jury has ordered Exxon Mobil Corp. to pay $725.5 million in damages to a former mechanic who argued that his exposure to benzene in the company’s petroleum products led to his cancer diagnosis. The decision came after Paul Gill, who worked at a Mobil service station from 1975 to 1980, accused Exxon of not adequately warning him about the carcinogenic risks associated with benzene found in gasoline and other solvents.
The verdict marks a significant victory for workers seeking accountability from large corporations over health and safety disclosures. According to Patrick Wigle, Gill’s attorney, the jury’s decision underscores a critical backlash against Exxon’s alleged failure to protect public health. “This verdict is a message that putting profits over people’s health is unacceptable. We are relieved that the jury recognized the need to hold such corporations responsible,” Wigle stated.
However, Exxon responded to the jury’s decision by denouncing it as “irrational” and confirmed plans to seek a reversal of the verdict before it becomes final. “We are confident that an appeals court will acknowledge the flaws in the current verdict. We are currently assessing further steps to contest this decision,” Exxon said in a press release.
Financial markets reacted to the news, with Exxon shares dropping 0.3% to $118.08 by late Friday afternoon after initially falling by as much as 0.7%. This fluctuation occurred amidst a broader downturn in the energy sector, coinciding with sliding oil prices.
The legal confrontation, Paul Gill and Diane Gill v. ExxonMobil, was closely monitored, reflecting growing scrutiny over the health impacts of industrial chemicals like benzene, which is classified as a carcinogen by various health agencies. Benzene exposure is a significant concern for workers in industries where petrochemical products are prominent, raising questions about adequate safety measures and disclosures by companies.
Legal experts following the case note that this judgment could set a precedent, potentially influencing future lawsuits involving health concerns and worker safety in the petrochemical industry. According to legal analyst Jessica Tillman, “Cases like these play a crucial role in shaping safety standards and corporate accountability. This verdict could encourage more rigorous safety disclosures and preventive measures across the sector.”
As the case awaits the outcome of Exxon’s anticipated appeal, the gasoline and solvent safety protocols employed by petrochemical companies may face increased scrutiny. The ramifications of this case suggest an evolving landscape for worker safety and corporate responsibility in managing exposure to hazardous substances.