Wash. Benzene Case Removed to Federal Court on Diversity Grounds

SEATTLE -- Defendants have removed a Washington benzene lawsuit on the basis of diversity jurisdiction and the amount in controversy. Henricksen, et al. v. Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., et al., No. 07-0932 (W.D. Wash.).

The June 15 notice of removal was filed by ConocoPhillips Company in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

The plaintiffs contend that Neil Henricksen's exposure to benzene led him to develop acute myelogenous leukemia.

In the notice, the defendant says that Univar USA Inc., the only resident of the state of Washington, was dismissed from the lawsuit on June 11.