Judge Overseeing Del. Benzene Litigation Sets Aggressive Trial Schedule

WILMINGTON, Del. -- The judge overseeing Delaware's coordinated benzene docket has asked the parties involved in the litigation to prepare the estimated 27 plaintiffs for trials scheduled to begin in April 2007. In re: Benzene Cases, No. 06C-BEN-1 (Del. Super. Ct., New Castle Cty.).

However, in a May 1 letter sent to Judge Joseph R. Slights II of the Delaware Superior Court for New Castle County, defense liaison counsel expressed its concern over allotting 20 months to prepare the estimated 27 plaintiffs for trial.

'The defendants wish to make it clear that they object both to the grouping of large …