La. Judge Dismisses Fraud, Exemplary Damage Claims in Benzene Case

NEW ORLEANS -- A Louisiana federal court has granted several motions to dismiss the fraud and exemplary damage claims in a benzene case, finding that the plaintiffs had failed to demonstrate how the defendants' storage and transportation of benzene constituted a reckless disregard for public safety. Bishop, et al. v. Shell Oil Co., et al., No. 07-2832 (E.D. La.).

In the May 16 order, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana dismissed the claims without prejudice and gave the plaintiffs 15 days to amend their complaint with the proper specificity.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf …