Defendants Move to Strike Allegations in Louisiana Benzene Case

NEW ORLEANS -- Defendants in a benzene action have backed their motion to strike allegations in a federal case, contending that the more than 400 pages of exhibits attached to the lawsuit constitute redundant and impertinent material. Frank, et al. v. Shell Oil Co., et al., No. 11-00871 (E.D. La.).

In the June 21 reply brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Shell Oil Co. and Shell Chemical insist that their motion is not an attempt to test the sufficiency of the plaintiffs' claims but instead to "streamline" the complaint.

Lois Frank brought …