Eric
Attorney
EDUCATION
Tulane Law School, L.L.M in Environmental and Energy Law, 2008
Southern University Law Center, J.D., 2000
University of New Orleans, B.S. in Business Administration, 1996
BAR ADMISSIONS
Louisiana
US Eastern District of Louisiana
US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
BACKGROUND
Eric Williams was inspired to become an attorney after growing up in a family of dedicated legal
professionals. His passion for law runs deep, with his grandfather, father, uncles, and cousins all having
practiced before him.
Eric even had the privilege of representing his own father. In his earlier years, his father worked with
benzene containing products and was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2017. His
father died of CLL in 2023. Eric understands firsthand what families go through during the difficult times
that come with a loved one being diagnosed with blood cancer.
LITIGATION INVOLVEMENT
Eric Williams specializes in benzene cases and represents plaintiffs diagnosed with aplastic anemia (AA),
myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), non-hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), hodgkin’s disease (HD), myeloid
metaplasia (MM), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), hairy cell leukemia (HCL), chronic lymphocytic
leukemia (CLL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and multiple myeloma (MM).
Eric has numerous reported court decisions for benzene cases. He has witnessed an alarming number of
blood cancers in the maritime industry due to petroleum products being used, handled and transported.
Occupations that put you at risk are included but not limited to: pipe fitter, pipe fitter helper, maintenance,
maintenance helper, steward, plumber, plumber helper, clerk, insulator, insulator helper, engineer, painter,
painter helper, welder, welder helper, galleyhand, x-ray technician, leaderman, millwright, equipment
operator, equipment mechanic, machinist, instrument fitter, instrument fitter helper, boiler maker, plant
operator, cook, roustabout, inspector or supervisor, supply clerk, anchor foreman, pile driver operator,
barge welder, barge captain, barge foreman, welder foreman, line-up station operator, rigger, crane
operator, gas station attendant, rubber transporter, print shop worker, mechanic, plumber, or anyone
working around petroleum products.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Harris Martin’s National Benzene Litigation Conference 2016: Burst v. Shell Oil, et al., Eastern District of
Louisiana civil Action No. 14-cv-109 Appealed to the United States fifth circuit court of appeals
15-30592.
Harris Martin’s National Benzene Litigation Conference 2017: Refinery/Facility Marine Loaded Docks
and Benzene Exposure. Plaintiff Co-chair. October 04, 2017.
IARC 2017 Benzene Update.
Harris Martin’s National Benzene Litigation Conference 2018: Recent Developments in Solvent
Litigation Agenda. Plaintiff Co-chair. November 30, 2018.
Harris Martin’s National Benzene and Toxic Tort Litigation Conference 2019: The Ever-Expanding
Docket, Recent Developments, and Future Trends Agenda. The Ever-Expanding Docket and Future
Trends in Benzene and Toxic Tort Litigation. Plaintiff co-chair. October 03, 2019.
Harris Martin’s National Benzene and Toxic Tort Litigation Conference 2023: Jones Act Benzene
Litigation. Plaintiff Co-chair. December 01, 2023.
Louisiana State Medical Society Annual Meeting 2024: Environmental Cancer and Birth Defects in
Louisiana. Environmental and Occupational Cancers in Louisiana. August 01, 2024.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
PRACTICE AREAS
Benzene
Asbestos
Mesothelioma
Personal Injury
Jones Act