Wash. Parties Reach Settlement after Motion for Protective Order Denied

SEATTLE -- Sources tell HarrisMartin Publishing that a confidential settlement has been reached in a benzene case where, just two months ago, the parties were disputing whether defendant BP Products North America Inc. was required to designate an expert with knowledge of the facility where the plaintiff was allegedly injured. Darmanin, et al. v. ConocoPhillips, et al., No. 06-1429 (W.D. Wash.).

Plaintiff Anthony Darmanin and lone remaining defendant BP Product North America reached the settlement in January, sources said. Terms were not disclosed.

In December, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington denied a BP motion for …