Oil Distributor Moves for More Definite Statement in Benzene Case; Says Complaint is ‘Vague’ and ‘Ambiguous’

NEW ORLEANS –– An oil distributor named as a defendant in a recently filed benzene lawsuit has moved for a more definite statement, saying that it can’t answer the ‘vague’ and ‘ambiguous’ lawsuit.

In the Aug. 13 motion, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, John W. Stone Oil Distributor LLC argues that the lawsuit has failed to identify the manufacturer of the benzene products at issue and erroneously asserts negligence and fraud claims.

Thomas and Johnnie Dykes filed the underlying lawsuit, contending that Thomas Dykes was exposed to benzene-containing products –– including crude oil, …