Results for: BNSF Railway

In a groundbreaking verdict, a federal jury has ruled that BNSF Railway contributed to the deaths of two individuals who were exposed to asbestos decades ago in the Montana town of Libby. The jury awarded $4 million each to the plaintiffs’ estates, finding that asbestos-contaminated vermiculite shipped through the town by BNSF played a role in their illnesses. The decision brings some accountability for the railroad’s past actions in Libby, where thousands have been sickened by asbestos exposure.

A jury determined that BNSF Railway contributed to the deaths of two individuals due to asbestos exposure from contaminated vermiculite shipped through the town of Libby, Montana. The jury awarded $4 million each to the plaintiffs’ estates, finding that the asbestos-contaminated vermiculite played a significant role in the illnesses and deaths of the plaintiffs. BNSF did not receive any punitive damages as the jury did not find intentional or indifferent actions on their part. The case is the first of numerous lawsuits against BNSF over its past operations in Libby, where asbestos exposure has resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses.

A federal jury has found BNSF Railway partially responsible for the deaths of two individuals who developed asbestos-related illnesses after being exposed to contaminated vermiculite shipped through Libby, Montana. The jury awarded compensatory damages of $4 million to each family. This is the first case to go to trial in numerous lawsuits against BNSF related to asbestos exposure in Libby. Attorneys for the victims argued that the railroad knew about the dangers of asbestos-tainted vermiculite but failed to act, while BNSF’s defense claimed they were unaware of the health hazards and were obligated to ship the material. Experts believe that people previously exposed to asbestos in Libby will continue to develop diseases for years to come.

A federal jury has determined that BNSF Railway, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, contributed to the deaths of two individuals who were exposed to asbestos decades ago through tainted mining material shipped through Libby, Montana. The jury awarded $4 million each in compensatory damages to the estates of the victims, who passed away in 2020. However, punitive damages were not granted due to a lack of evidence suggesting intentional or indifferent actions by BNSF. The trial represents the first of several lawsuits filed against the railroad company over its previous operations in the Libby community.

A federal jury has ruled that BNSF Railway contributed to the deaths of two people who were exposed to asbestos decades ago in Libby, Montana. The jury awarded $4 million each to the estates of the two plaintiffs, who died in 2020. The jury found that asbestos that spilled in the rail yard in Libby was a substantial factor in the plaintiffs’ illnesses and deaths. However, the jury did not find that BNSF acted intentionally or with indifference, so there will be no punitive damages awarded.

A federal jury in Montana has found BNSF Railway liable in the deaths of two people who were exposed to asbestos decades ago. The jury awarded $4 million each to the estates of Joyce Walder and Thomas Wells, who died in 2020. The jury determined that asbestos that spilled in the rail yard in Libby, Montana was a substantial factor in the plaintiffs’ illnesses and deaths. BNSF did not act intentionally or with indifference, so there were no punitive damages awarded. The case is the first of several lawsuits against BNSF over its past operations in Libby. Current and former residents accuse the railroad of playing a role in asbestos exposure that has killed several hundred people and sickened thousands.