Defendants Contest Admissibility of Expert Testimony; Benzene Plaintiffs Say Challenges Better Suited for Cross-Examination

NEW ORLEANS –– Parties in a benzene case pending in Louisiana have exchanged briefing on the admissibility of expert testimony, with the defendants contesting the specific causation opinions offered by two plaintiff experts.

However, in opposition briefs filed last month in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the plaintiffs argue that the challenges to the opinions of Drs. Mark Nicas and Barry Levy are better suited for cross-examination.

Edward F. Authenment III filed the complaint, contending that his work as a deckhand and tankerman from 1977 to 1993 required him to load and unload barges …