Defendants Contest $17.5 Million Benzene Verdict, Seek New Trial

LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Defendants involved in a $17.5 million benzene verdict have filed a motion for a new trial, contending in part that the jury's award of $12 million in punitive damages was erroneous on several grounds. McWilliams v. Chevron USA, et al., No. 2009-2803 (La. Dist. Ct., Calcasieu Prsh.).

On April 30, defendants Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Texaco Inc. and Union Oil Company of California moved for a new trial, or in the alternative, a judgment notwithstanding the verdict with the Louisiana 14th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Calcasieu, arguing in part that the jury's award of …