La. Defendants Challenge Suit on Limitations, Preemption Grounds

NEW ORLEANS -- Several benzene defendants named in a Louisiana federal case have asked the court to dismiss the claims, arguing that they are time-barred by Louisiana's law of prescription. Bishop, et al. v. Shell Oil Co., et al., No. 07-2832 (E.D. La.).

One of the defendants has also moved the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana for dismissal on preemption grounds, saying that its product's warning labels were governed by federal standards.

Shortly before the defendants filed their motions to dismiss, the plaintiffs asked the court for permission to amend their pleadings, another recent motion states. …