Judge Denies BP Summary Judgment Motion on Eve of Jury Selection

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A judge overseeing a benzene trial denied a summary judgment motion made by BP Corp. just one week before jury selection began in the ongoing trial. Ryan, et al. v. BP Corp., et al., No. 04cv223271 (Mo. Cir. Ct., Jackson Cty.).

Judge Marco A. Roldan of the Missouri Circuit Court of Jackson County on Aug. 8 overruled BP's challenges on statute of limitations and causation grounds. Judge Roldan did sustain BP's motion for summary judgment as to any claims arising out of the Missouri Air Conservation Law.

Plaintiff Leonard Ryan contends that a BP oil refinery …