Mo. Judge Orders Mediation; 3 Trials Scheduled Before Fall of 2007

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri judge overseeing more than 30 benzene cases has ordered the parties to mediate the claims. Detel v. BP Corp., et al., No. 04CV207637 (Mo. Cir Ct., Jackson Cty.).

In a March 1 order, Judge Marco Roldan of the Missouri Circuit Court for Jackson County ordered a June 1 mediation in all of the benzene cases. Should the parties involved not reach a settlement, sources told HarrisMartin that there are three trials scheduled to move before the fall of 2007.

'Discovery in the cases is not stayed and shall continue as deemed reasonably necessary …