Defendants Cite Diversity Jurisdiction in Removal; Scheduling Order Entered

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A scheduling order has been filed in an Arkansas benzene case shortly after defendants removed the claims on grounds of diversity jurisdiction. Johnese, et al., v. Ashland Chemical Inc., No. 06-01632 (E.D. Ark.).

On Nov. 28, the defendants removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas on diversity jurisdiction grounds, saying that the only non-diverse defendants named in the lawsuit had been dismissed.

Plaintiffs Wilbert Johnese and Sharon Denise Johnese claim that Wilbert's employment at the Ameron International Facility in Little Rock, Ark., exposed him to benzene-containing products, which ultimately …