Hurricane Activity Delays Progress in Several Benzene Proceedings

JACKSON, Miss. - Recent Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have delayed progress in several benzene lawsuits pending in Mississippi and Texas.

Sources said a hearing scheduled to address no-evidence motions in a multi-plaintiff benzene lawsuit in Orange County, Texas, was cancelled because of evacuations being made in preparation for Hurricane Rita. Trial in the case is still scheduled for Nov. 7.

Plaintiffs who received a $2 million verdict in the Mississippi Circuit Court for Smith County have also delayed their response to post-trial motions as they wait for the trial transcripts to be completed, sources said. Watts v. Radiator Specialty, …