Dismissal Entered in NHL Case; Dispute over Settlement Arises

JACKSON, Miss. -- A stipulation of voluntary dismissal without prejudice was recently entered in a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma case, effectively tolling the statute of limitations for one year. Bates v. Ashland Oil, et al., No. 03-519 (S.D. Miss.).

The trial in the benzene claims brought by Douglas Bates was scheduled to begin on Oct. 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, sources told HarrisMartin. However, prior to plaintiff expert depositions, parties were advised of Bates' desire to nonsuit the case against Ashland Oil and Ideal Chemical Supply Co., sources indicated.

Bates claims that his NHL …