Mississippi Defendants Move to Dismiss, Seek Identification of Products

JACKSON, Miss. -- Several defendants have moved to dismiss a benzene lawsuit, claiming that the plaintiffs have failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Fowler, et al. First Chemical Corp., et al., No. 05-16 (S.D. Miss.).

The defendants alternatively asked in a separate March 7 motion that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi order plaintiffs to plead with particularity.

According to the motions, plaintiffs Gordon and Carolyn Fowler allege that nearly 100 defendants are liable for injuries arising from exposure to benzene-containing products.

'Plaintiffs further allege that exposure to these chemicals is …