Trial Begins in Arkansas Benzene Case; Challenges to Experts Denied

TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Shortly before a benzene trial in Arkansas got underway, the presiding judge denied several defense motions to preclude plaintiff expert testimony, according to a record of minutes entered in the court's docket. Russell, et al. v. Ashland Inc., et al., No. 04-4116 (W.D. Ark.).

According to the record of minutes entered Aug. 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, Judge Harry F. Barnes heard arguments relating to the defense challenges to several experts, including Drs. Arthur Frank, R. Michael Kelly and Melvyn Kopstein.

The motions were denied, according to the minutes. …