Defendants in La. Benzene Action File Motion to Dismiss, Cite Failure to State Claim

NEW ORLEANS –– Two defendants named in an oil field worker’s benzene complaint have filed motions to dismiss, contending that the plaintiffs have failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. Cologne v. Shell Oil Co., et al., No. 12-735 (E.D. La.).

In the motions, filed May 1 and 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, defendants Texaco Downstream Properties Inc. and Shell Oil Co. alternatively ask for a more definite statement.

The underlying claims lawsuit alleges that Chris Cologne’s work in oil and gas fields exposed him to benzene, crude …