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Uncovered Docs Confirm KBR Knew Soldiers Exposed to Dangerous Levels of Sodium Dichromate
Documents now uncovered in the lawsuit by several soldiers against Kellog, Brown and Root (KBR) show that KBR managers were aware of alarming blood and urine test results of site personnel subject to “significant exposure” to sodium dichromate. These documents are in direct contradiction to KBR’s long-held position there was no medical evidence of harm related to soldiers who are suing the company for their exposure to sodium dichromate at Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Plant in Iraq in 2003.
Minutes of an October 2, 2003 meeting of KBR managers reveal that, in addition to the damaging test results themselves, KBR knew that sodium dichromate had contaminated the soil, was “being spread all over the place,” and was even still in use at the site. The minutes also confirm that KBR was aware that sodium dichromate was present at Qarmat Ali as early as May 2003. KBR had been contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense to restore the Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Plant as part of the U.S. goverment’s Iraqi reconstruction efforts.
KBR also knew about the toxic and carcinogenic health effects of sodium dichromate. KBR noted that the chemical was already “presenting a problem” to members of the public, including children, in the surrounding villages and the corporation also expressed concerns about being held liable for the resulting health problems.
Doyle Raizner LLP is currently representing U.S. National Guardsmen and members of the British Royal Air Force in their lawsuits against KBR for exposure to sodium dichromate at Qarmat Ali.
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Minutes from October 2, 2003 meeting of KBR managers show their knowledge of safety hazard being posed by sodium dichromate, concern over human exposure to the chemical, and fear of being held responsible.
Minutes from September 16, 2003 meeting of KBR managers showing alarming medical test results from exposure to sodium dichromate.
Judge Overrules Ace American Insurance’s Attempts to Keep Testimony of its Adjusters Secret; Orders Depositions to Move Forward
On April 26th 2010, a Harris County District Judge heard a motion in an insurance bad faith case regarding Ace American Insurance’s refusal to provide its adjusters to testify regarding their actions in wrongfully denying claims. Instead of following the Texas rules on discovery, Ace American asked the Court to assure that whatever the adjusters testified to be kept secret and not placed on Doyle Raizner’s website. The Judge immediately dismissed Ace American’s delay and conceal tactics and ordered the depositions to go forward. In this case, Doyle Raizner represents two injured employees of BJ Field Services whose right to worker’s compensation benefits were unreasonably denied in bad faith.
