Madison County, Ill., Judge Denies Challenges to Forum in Benzene Case

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- An Illinois trial court judge has denied a forum non conveniens motion to dismiss, rejecting defense arguments that the plaintiff has no ties to the county in which the benzene lawsuit was filed, multiple sources have confirmed to HarrisMartin. Leek, et al. v. Betz Dearborn, et al., No. 04-L-1232 (Ill. 3rd Jud. Cir. Ct., Madison Cty.).

The order from Judge Barbara Crowder of the Third Judicial Circuit Court for Madison County was the second one last month -- in another benzene lawsuit, Judge Crowder found that Illinois did have an "interest in issues such as benzene exposure …