Opinion ID: 66068
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Lack of Expert Causation Evidence

Text: Seaman first contends that the deposition testimony of Seacor’s own expert, Dr. Richard Airhart, establishes both general and specific causation. Our review of Dr. Airhart’s deposition makes clear that his testimony does no such thing and instead fully supports his expert report, which emphasized that he was “unable to find any direct carcinogen for Mr. Seaman’s disease based on the evidence of his records.” The report focused on Seaman’s childhood secondhand exposure to cigarette smoke as a more significant risk factor than any demonstrated occupational risk. Dr. Airhart’s deposition testimony contains the following representative statements: (1) diesel exhaust has potential carcinogens in it but that “[w]hen you look at how much of a potential it is, especially for bladder cancer, it’s not proven”; (2) “I think [second-hand smoke] caused his cancer . . . . That’s a little stronger than more probable [than not]. . . . I feel very strongly that this is the most likely cause of [Seaman’s cancer]”; and (3) if Seaman worked around carcinogens, information about parts per million, length of exposure, and type of ventilation would all be relevant. In summary, the testimony and report of Seacor’s expert, Dr. Airhart, does not support Seaman’s position at all. Dr. Airhart’s deposition does not reveal the requisite causal link between Seaman’s cancer and either Ferox or diesel exhaust. And, without admissible expert evidence in this toxic-tort case, Seaman cannot prove causation.45 In an effort to establish his exposure to Ferox and diesel exhaust, Seaman points to the declarations of three of Seaman’s co-workers.46 Each co-worker 45 See, e.g., Allen, 102 F.3d at 199; Atkins v. Ferro Corp., 534 F. Supp. 2d 662, 666 (M.D. La. 2008), aff’d No. 08-30295, 2009 WL 605743 (5th Cir. Mar. 10, 2009) (per curiam) (unpublished). 46 We re-emphasize that Dr. Prellop relied on only the suggestion of Seaman’s counsel. The co-workers executed their declarations after the dates of Dr. Prellop’s report and deposition, so she could not have relied on them. 13 No. 08-30911 submitted a similar declaration that said: (1) Seacor’s vessel was supplied with Ferox; (2) Seaman applied Ferox “regularly,” “usually two or three times every week” using a brush or a pneumatic spray gun; (3) the crew never wore safety gear; (3) half of the time that the crew applied Ferox, it did so in enclosed spaces; (4) Seaman inhaled diesel exhaust fumes every day that he served aboard the vessel; (5) the smell of diesel exhaust was noticeable at all times; and (6) Seacor’s vessel routinely carried benzene and other chemicals. Without expert testimony to place these declarations in context, they do not demonstrate that Seaman was exposed to whatever may be the allegedly harmful level of Ferox or diesel exhaust.47 Seaman lacks competent summary judgment evidence that would create a genuine fact issue regarding the causation of his cancer.