Plaintiffs Choose Not to Appeal Defense Verdict; Judgment Becomes Final

TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Arkansas plaintiffs who failed to persuade a jury that a tire builder and millwright's development of acute myelogenous leukemia was caused by benzene exposure have opted not to appeal the verdict, sources told HarrisMartin. Russell, et al. v. Ashland Inc., et al., No. 04-4116 (W.D. Ark.).

As such, the Aug. 28 verdict in favor of Ashland and UNOCAL became final, sources said. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas jury reached its decision after deliberating for less than three hours.

According to a notice filed on Oct. 27, the plaintiffs paid UNOCAL $6,593.59 to …