Parties in Benzene Case Submit Briefs on Applicability of Maritime Law to Strict Products Liability Claims

NEW ORLEANS –– Parties in a Louisiana benzene case have submitted briefs on the applicability of maritime law for strict products liability to benzene claims, both agreeing that maritime law governs the claims.

In an order issued June 20, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana had asked the parties to submit briefs addressing whether the plaintiffs’ strict liability claim or motion to substitute were governed by general maritime law or state law.

In their brief, the plaintiffs say that general maritime law applies to the claims for strict liability, arguing that in the presence of a …