Judge Sets Scheduling Order in Offshore Platform Worker Case

HOUSTON -- The judge overseeing a benzene action recently filed by an offshore platform worker has signed a scheduling order in the claims, slating the case for a June 2009 trial. Brown v. Shell Oil Co., et al., No. 08-413 (S.D. Texas).

In the May 23 order, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore asked that all amendments to the complaint be made by Sept. 1.

Ben N. Brown Sr. filed his lawsuit in February, contending that his multiple myeloma was caused by exposure to solvents, paints, hydrocarbons, "cutters" and chemicals used in offshore …