Utah State Judge Allows Benzene Exposure Case to Proceed

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah state judge has refused to dismiss a benzene exposure case brought against ConocoPhillips Co. and numerous other companies, ruling that questions of fact exist as to when Utah’s two-year statute of limitations was triggered.

In an Oct. 9 ruling, Judge Randall N. Skanchy of the Salt Lake County District Court explained that it cannot be determined at this time when the plaintiff knew or should have known what caused his multiple myeloma.

Steven Hutto alleges his disease was caused by exposure to benzene. He says the exposure began in the late 1960s …