La. Court Dismisses Non-Pecuniary, Punitive Damages Claims in Benzene Case Against Halliburton

NEW ORLEANS –– A Louisiana federal court has dismissed non-pecuniary and punitive damages claims with prejudice against Halliburton in a benzene case, finding that the plaintiff is precluded from pursuing those claims under the Jones Act or general maritime law.

In the Dec. 3 order, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana rejected the plaintiff’s efforts to have the court follow a dissenting 5th Circuit opinion or a 9th Circuit opining allowing such claims.

Plaintiff Lori Comeaux filed the lawsuit on behalf of Melvin A. Comeaux Jr., contending that during the course of his employment with …