Parties in Louisiana CLL Solvent Case Battle over Jurisdiction

LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Parties in a chronic lymphcytic leukemia case have exchanged briefing on whether federal court is the proper forum for the organic solvent claims, according to recent court documents. Hargrove v. Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, No. 10-00318 (W.D. La.).

In the most recent filing, an April 12 opposition brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, the defendants back their removal of the claims, contending that the plaintiff's attempts to remand the case are "a blatant attempt to deprive [defendants] of their right to a federal forum."

The lawsuit alleges that Johnny …