BNSF Railway is appealing a recent jury trial that awarded two families $4 million each for health issues stemming from asbestos contamination. The appeal has put another trial on hold.
A federal jury in April found the two families in the case could hold BNSF liable for health complications tied to asbestos contamination along the railway’s tracks in Libby.
A similar case was set to go to trial in Missoula this week. But according to court documents, District Court Judge Dana Christiansen agreed with BNSF’s request to put it on hold while an appeal on the first case goes forward.
In court documents the railways said its appeal of the jury ruling last month to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could impact the Missoula trial.
BNSF declined to comment on the appeal.
There are over 350 active claims against BNSF related to alleged health impacts from asbestos contamination, according to McGarvey Law, which is handling the majority of claims against the railroad.
