Court Rejects Benzene Defendant's Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction

NEW ORLEANS -- A Louisiana federal court has rejected a benzene defendant's efforts to dismiss claims asserted against on lack of jurisdiction grounds, ruling that it was "reasonable" for the defendant to anticipate a lawsuit may be filed against the company in Louisiana. Washington, et al. v. Baker Petrolite Corp., et al., No. 09-07926 (E.D. La.).

In the Aug. 23 ruling, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana said that the defendant was aware of its relationship with the state and "it is fair for El Paso to be haled into Court there."

The complaint was …