Bridgestone Moves to Dismiss Benzene Complaint, Claims Employer Immunity

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The employer of a man alleging injuries caused by benzene exposure has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing it is immune from common law liability claims under Iowa law. Mielke, et al. v. Ashland Inc., et al., No. 05-88 (S.D. Iowa).

In its motion to dismiss filed recently in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, defendant Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. claimed that as the plaintiff's employer, it is immune from common law liability under Iowa Code of Civil Procedure.

'It is axiomatic under Iowa law that an employee's and his family members' …