La. Plaintiffs Seek Documents Relating to Shell Employees' Cancer Incidence

NEW ORLEANS -- Plaintiffs in a Louisiana benzene action have filed a motion to compel production of documents from defendant Shell Oil Co., claiming that since the defendants are disputing general causation, reports of cancer incidence from the company are vital to the case. Bishop, et al. v. Shell Oil Co., et al., No. 07-2832 (E.D. La.).

However, in a July 14 response filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Shell says that the requested information is not relevant.

The claims are asserted on behalf of James Bishop, whose alleged career as a pipefitter …