After two years of litigation, a Texas benzene lawsuit has come to an abrupt end. 58th District Judge Bob Wortham dismissed the plaintiff’s claims for lack of evidence.
The plaintiff, Bobby Hall of Arizona, had filed a lawsuit against Arco, Exxon, Shell and 16 other petrochemical companies.
The suit stated that Hall had been exposed to "dangerous levels of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, including benzene-containing products." The suit also alleged that Hall’s leukemia was caused by his on the job "exposures to these toxic and carcinogenic chemicals [benzene, and dioxin (a benzene derivative)], distributed, marketed, and/or manufactured by defendants."
Unfortunately, Hall and his attorney had a falling out seven months ago, leaving hall with no legal representation at the hearing.
According to the South East Texas Record, an on-line periodical that covers Texas legal issues, "Hall was unable to produce any evidence at the hearing linking his cancer to dioxin, a derivate of the chemical benzene."
Judge Wortham told hall:
"The fact that you don’t have an attorney puts you at an extreme disadvantage, my hands are tied. The defendants have no idea what your allegations are. You’ve had seven months to hire a new lawyer."’
Wortham specifically suggested Hall hire a lawyer who had "working knowledge of the science involved," and submit a motion for a new trial.
Hall’s case had all the components for a successful benzene lawsuit except one, a knowledgeable benzene lawyer. Benzene lawyers have "working knowledge of the science involved," as well as the expertise and experience needed to go up against defendants who are often powerful corporations with seemingly unlimited legal resources. Most benzene lawyers don’t get paid unless you win.
The fact is that benzene is a known carcinogen proven to cause bone marrow failure (BMF) diseases such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myelogenous leukemia to name a few. If you have a BMF disease, and have been exposed to benzene, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries, so contact a benzene lawyer today.