Philadelphia Judge Dismisses Benzene Complaint on Forum Grounds, Allows Plaintiffs Leave to Re-File

PHILADELPHIA –– A Pennsylvania state court has granted a defense motion to dismiss a benzene case on forum non conveniens grounds, agreeing with CRC Industries that North Carolina is a more appropriate forum for the proceedings.

The Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County granted the defense motion to dismiss on July 10 without prejudice with leave to re-file the action in North Carolina “or any other appropriate jurisdiction.”

Plaintiffs Gordon and Carol Rhyne filed the underlying suit, contending that Rhyne developed Myelodysplastic Syndrome as a result of occupational and non-occupational exposure to benzene-containing products while employed at Duke …