Pa. Jury Rejects Benzene Claims in Groundwater Contamination Trial

NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania jury has reached a defense verdict in the damages portion of a reverse bifurcated trial that included allegations that benzene groundwater contamination caused leukemia and autism. Ball, et al. v. Bayard Pump & Tank Co., Inc., et al., No. 99-06438 (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pls., Montgomery Cty.).

The Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for Montgomery County jury reached the verdict on May 3 after an estimated six hours of deliberations in a case stemming from a Blue Bell (Pa.) Gulf station's alleged 1998 release of 13,000 gallons of gasoline into surrounding areas.

The case was overseen …