Ill. Appellate Court Agrees to Hear Forum Dispute in Benzene Case

MT. VERNON, Ill. -- An Illinois appellate court has agreed to hear Ashland Inc.'s appeal of a trial court decision allowing the case of a Kentucky resident who was allegedly exposed to benzene in Kentucky to remain in Illinois. Ashland Inc. v. Edwards, et al., No. 5-08-0165 (Ill. Ct. App., 5th Jud. Dist.).

In the petition filed in the 5th Judicial District Court of Appeals, Ashland says that the evidence and witnesses are located in Kentucky, making it inconvenient for all parties for the case to proceed in Illinois.

The complaint was filed by Aaron and Bonnie Edwards, who …