Louisiana Federal Court Declines to Issue Sanctions Against Chevron

NEW ORLEANS –– Despite finding that both sides had presented “legitimate legal arguments,” a Louisiana federal court has declined to issue sanctions against a benzene defendant accused of withholding documents. Morin, et al. v. Chevron U.S.A. Inc., et al., No. 11-45 (E.D. La.).

In the June 11 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana ultimately found that the documents the plaintiffs accused Chevron of withholding did not explicitly address benzene and any potential health risks.

Bryan Morin asserted the claims on the grounds that he was exposed to benzene while working as a tank cleaner. …