Parties in Louisiana Benzene Suit Battle over Admissibility, Diagnosis

NEW ORLEANS -- The parties in what the plaintiffs claim is a myelodysplastic syndrome case are exchanging briefing on a number of admissibility issues, with the plaintiffs asking for a declaration that benzene exposure can cause MDS and the defendants claiming that plaintiff expert testimony is inadmissible. Barrois, et al. v. Fireman's Fund Insurance, et al., No. 09-380 (E.D. La.).

The motions are currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The underlying lawsuit was filed by plaintiffs Joyce and Clyde Barrois, who argue that Clyde Barrois' employment with Chevron at a number of positions, …