Challenges to Forum in Benzene Case Rejected

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- An Illinois trial court judge has denied a motion to dismiss asserted on forum non conveniens grounds, stating that while the plaintiff has never resided in Illinois, the products at issue were manufactured there. Edwards, et al. v. Ashland Inc., et al., No. 05-L-708 (Ill. 3rd Jud. Ct. Ct., Madison Cty.).

In a March 13 order, Judge Barbara Crowder of the Third Judicial Circuit Court for Madison County said that while the defendants had established that transferring the claims to Kentucky would benefit them, they did not establish that both private and public factors favor the venue …