Dismissal in Product Liability/Toxic Tort Action

The plaintiff in this product liability action alleged that while he was employed as a painter in Illinois from 1958 to 2000, he was exposed to defendants’ chemical products which contained benzene. He further alleged that his exposure to benzene from these products caused him to develop serious bodily injuries, including Myelodysplastic Syndrome (“MDS”). The plaintiff filed an action in the Los Angeles Superior Court against approximately 40 corporate defendants alleging claims of negligence, strict liability, and breach of express and implied warranties.  The Court granted a motion to dismiss on the theory of forum non conveniens, thereby terminating the entire action in California.