| WFB&M to Co-Chair HarrisMartin Benzene Mock Trial
November 6 2009
On December 8-9, 2009, WFB&M partner Dee Cohen Katz will co-chair the HarrisMartin Benzene Litigation Conference at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. This conference, titled "Trial of a Gasoline & Solvent MDS/AML Case," will be an abbreviated benzene mock trial utilizing top plaintiff and defense trial attorneys from across the country. Senior associate Karen Sullivan is assisting in the creation and planning of the conference.
The fact pattern for the mock trial involves a 55-year-old plaintiff who worked as a commercial truck driver and mechanic for almost 30 years. During his employment, he was exposed to gasoline and a solvent containing toluene, xylene and mineral spirits. Plaintiff was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and subsequently developed Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). The defendant at trial is the company that manufactured the gasoline and solvent at issue.
As benzene exposure cases rarely go to trial, this conference will provide an opportunity to witness the skills of prominent trial attorneys in this field, in addition to hearing the opinions and testimony from industrial hygiene and toxicology experts concerning the science and exposure issues involved in a benzene case.
A retired judge will preside over the trial and the conference will conclude with a verdict decided by a local jury. The jury's deliberation is one of the highlights of the program. The audience will watch the normally secret deliberations via live feed, giving unique insight into the thought processes and opinions of these lay people regarding the facts and evidence presented during a benzene trial.
This conference format has been lauded by past attendees as the best they have ever seen. In addition, HarrisMartin has secured a block of rooms at the Bellagio at a special discounted rate. As the conference has sold out in the past, registering and making hotel reservations early is recommended.
Do not hesitate to contact Dee Cohen Katz or Karen Sullivan if you have any questions or would like additional information on the conference. A detailed agenda, listing of faculty, and information on registration for the conference can be viewed at http://www.harrismartin.com/conferencedetail.cfm?confid=71.
|
