Valero Seeks Summary Judgment in Benzene Case, Says It Never Employed Plaintiff

NEW ORLEANS –– Valero Refining-Texas L.P. (NYSE:VLO) has asked a Louisiana federal court to dismiss benzene claims asserted against the company, saying that the plaintiff cannot recover damages against the defendant since the alleged exposure did not occur on its premises.

In its May 10 motion filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Valero further contends that it never employed the plaintiff and, as such, does not owe him a duty.

“It was the responsibility of Authenment’s employers to provide whatever he needed to safely perform his work,” the motion states. “Valero did …