Damages Affirmed for Plaintiffs Who Said Benzene Exposure Occurred During Spill

LAKE CHARLES, La. -- A Louisiana appellate court has affirmed both compensatory and punitive damages awarded to 14 oil workers who claimed that exposure to benzene present in wastewater and oil flooding caused present injuries and posed the risk of future harm. Arabie, et al. v. Citgo Petroleum Corp., et al., No. 10-244 (La. 3rd Cir. Ct. App.).

The Third Circuit Court of Appeal on Oct. 27 concluded that there was sufficient basis for awarding $30,000 in punitive damages to each of 14 workers at a construction site downriver from the release and for the court's decision to assess 100 …