Valero Seeks Details on Settling Defendants in Benzene Case; Bench Trial Scheduled for Nov. 12

NEW ORLEANS –– Valero Refining-Texas has filed a motion to compel in a benzene case, contending that it is entitled to documents relating to settlement agreements since maritime law requires that the plaintiffs’ recovery be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to each party that has settled or been dismissed with prejudice.

On Oct. 4, just one day after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued a ruling allowing the benzene claims to proceed against Valero, the defendant argued that the plaintiffs have “refused to provide information or documents regarding each and every settlement or …