Appeals court: Contractor’s lawsuit against Halliburton claiming rape in Iraq can go to trial

Court: Contractor’s rape case can go to trial

NEW ORLEANS — A federal appeals court says a Texas woman’s lawsuit alleging she was raped by military contractor co-workers in Iraq can go to court.

A three-judge panel from the New Orleans court ruled Tuesday that Jamie Leigh Jones’ claims against Halliburton Co. and its former subsidiary KBR can go to trial.

The companies contended Jones’ employment agreement required claims against the company be settled through arbitration.

Halliburton and KBR are headquartered in Houston. Halliburton didn’t immediately respond to a Tuesday call for comment. A KBR spokeswoman declined to comment.

The Associated Press usually doesn’t identify people alleging sexual assault, but Jones’ face and name have been broadcast in media reports and on her own Web site.