Toxic Torts Litigation
BenlateMotley Rice works on cases involving eyeless children whose mothers were exposed to a DuPont product, Benlate, during the early stages of pregnancy
http://www.motleyrice.com/toxic_torts/toxic_torts_benlate.htmlThe Maurice Blackburn Cashman class actionMaurice Blackburn Cashman commenced 6 cases in the New South Wales Supreme Court against the Australian subsidiary, Du Pont (Australia) Limited. The causes of action included negligence, breach of contract and breach of statutory provisions. The crops affected were orchids, carnations, capsicums, tomatoes and lettuces, all grown in greenhouses.
United States proceedings;
Similar cases against Du Pont US were successful in the USA where Du Pont paid billions of dollars in compensation and damages to US farmers. In these cases it was argued that the problem with Benlate was that the main component, Benomyl, broke down to form a substance toxic to plants, dibutlyurea. Furthermore, it was alleged that Du Pont and its contractors allowed cross-contamination of potent plant killers (herbicides) which were manufactured at the same facilities as Benlate.
The Australian proceedings handled by Maurice Blackburn Cashman were discontinued in March 2001 after a confidential settlement was reached in all 6 cases.
http://www.mauriceblackburncashman.com.au/ca_benlate.htmAnd more details on your post AP
Court Erases Benlate Award Against DuPonthttp://news.findlaw.com/ap_stories/f/1310/5-26-2004/20040526100011_050.htmlEssentially, the RICO Act provides a stipulation for an award of triple damages if the plaintiff prevails. In this case the jury found for the plaintiff...after what I've read, the award was justified. Your post is right on target. Strings having been pulled. Rather pay the Bushes than the people who deserve it and are in need.