Defendants Ask Court to Stay Discovery until Venue Determination is Made

HOUSTON -- Two benzene defendants have moved to stay discovery in Texas proceedings, saying that a stay is necessary since the companies have also moved to transfer the case to Louisiana or, alternatively, Mississippi. Brown v. Shell Oil Co., et al., No. 08-00413 (S.D. Texas).

On July 23, Shell Oil Co. and Shell Chemical asked the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to stay discovery until the court makes a decision on their transfer request.

Ben Brown claims in his complaint that his work as an offshore platform worker and lease operator exposed him to harmful products …