BP Claims Plaintiffs' Claims Barred by Washington Industrial Insurance Act

SEATTLE -- BP Products North America Inc. has filed a motion for summary judgment in a federal benzene case, arguing that the plaintiffs' claims are barred by the Washington Industrial Insurance Act. Darmanin, et al. v. ConocoPhillips, et al., No. 06-1429 (W.D. Wash.).

BP claims in a Dec. 17 motion filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, that the act allows no-fault recovery to employees in exchange for immunity from civil suit.

Anthony Darmanin contends that his 30-year employment at the Ferndale Refinery in Ferndale, Wash,. exposed him to benzene, ultimately causing his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.