Calif. Court Reverses Exclusion of Declaration from Brautbar in Benzene Case

LOS ANGELES –– A California appellate court has reversed the dismissal of benzene claims against Arkema Inc., ruling that the trial court erroneously excluded the testimony of a plaintiff expert witness.

In the Aug. 30 ruling, the California 2nd District Court of Appeal found that when the plaintiffs had indicated their intent to de-designate the expert witness, the trial court warned them that they could not use the expert for trial purposes, but did not bar them from using him to oppose pretrial motions.

The lawsuit, filed by Whasam and Anne Park, contends that Whasam Park was exposed …