Louisiana Benzene Plaintiffs Reach Settlement Agreements with Shell Defendants, Valero

NEW ORLEANS –– Louisiana benzene plaintiffs have reached a compromise with Shell Oil Co., Shell Chemical LP and Valero Refining-New Orleans LLC, according to a recent order dismissing claims against the defendants.

The May 23 order from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana dismissed the claims against the named defendants with prejudice. The plaintiffs had moved for dismissal in a joint motion filed on May 21.

The court’s order noted that the claims against all other defendants remain.

Thomas and Johnnie Dykes contend in their complaint that Thomas Dykes worked as a crane operator and equipment …