Tenn. Judge Dismisses Several Defendants, Extends Discovery in Benzene Case

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A District Court judge has granted several voluntary motions to dismiss without prejudice in a Tennessee benzene lawsuit, in addition to extending discovery in the proceedings. McCarter, et al. v. Alcoa, et al., No. 03-545 (E.D. Tenn.).

In the Feb. 4 order, Judge Thomas W. Phillips of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee granted motions to dismiss nearly 10 defendants named in the proceedings, including Four Season Paint Co., General Paint & Manufacturing and Alcoa Inc.

On March 2, Judge Phillips also granted the plaintiff's motions to extend Phase I discovery through March …