Puerto Rico Court Schedules October Status Conference in Benzene Action

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –– A Puerto Rican federal court has scheduled a status conference in a benzene action for Oct. 17, just a few weeks after warning the parties that extensions to established deadlines will not be granted going forward.

According to an order issued June 27 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, the court also plans to hold a May 22, 2014, mediation/settlement conference.

The District Court ordered the plaintiffs to serve written settlement demands by May 6, and the defendants to counter by May 13 in anticipation of the conference.

“Counsel …