Ill. Jury Finds for Paint Defendant in Retrial of Benzene Case

GENEVA, Ill. -- An Illinois jury has found for paint defendant River Valley Chemicals in the retrial of a benzene case, rejecting the plaintiff's contentions that his leukemia was caused by exposure to benzene in the company's solvents and paints. Hornback v. River Valley Coatings, No. 06-L-528 (Ill. 16th Jud. Cir. Ct., Kane Cty.).

The Illinois 16th Judicial Circuit Court for Kane County jury reached the verdict on Sept. 1, less than three months after the first trial of the claims ended with Judge Judith M. Brawka granting a plaintiff motion for a mistrial.

Judge Brawka presided over the …