Defendants Ask for Interlocutory Appeal in Benzene Jurisdiction Dispute

JACKSON, Miss. -- The manufacturer of the benzene-containing product Liquid Wrench has asked a federal court to certify a jurisdictional issue for interlocutory appeal, citing conflicting decisions within the district. Fowler, et al. v. First Chemical Corp., et al., No. 05-16 (S.D. Miss.).

However, in an April 26 reply filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, the plaintiffs involved in the action supported their motion to reconsider remanding the claims, saying that benzene defendant Radiator Specialty 'continues to cling to the fanciful notion' that products liability cases should be completely preempted by federal law.

Plaintiffs …