Murphy Oil Challenges Louisiana Fraud, Punitive Damages Claims in Benzene Suit

NEW ORLEANS –– A benzene defendant is seeking dismissal of several claims filed in Louisiana, contending in part that some of the state’s product liability laws were no longer in effect at the time of alleged exposure.

In its Dec. 18 motion, Murphy Oil USA Inc. asks the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana to dismiss the suit in part, saying the plaintiffs have not asserted sufficient facts to support claims for punitive damages, strict liability under the Louisiana Products Liability Act and liability under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2317.

Thomas and Johnnie Dykes contend in …