Illinois Court Denies Forum Challenge in Benzene Lawsuit

CHICAGO -- An Illinois judge has declined to grant a forum non conveniens motion, saying that although the plaintiff is "foreign to the chosen forum," there is no one clear choice of venue. Weaver, et al. v. Day International Inc., et al., No. 06 L 9120 (Ill. Cir. Ct., Cook Cty.).

In the May 17 order, the Circuit Court for Cook County denied defendant 3M's motion to transfer the proceedings to the county where the plaintiff resides and was allegedly exposed to benzene.

James Weaver contends that he developed multiple myeloma and acute myelogenous leukemia as a result of exposure …