BNSF, Zurich Insurance Unit Sued Over Rail Yard Asbestos Claims

BNSF Railway Co. and its insurer, a Zurich Insurance Group AG unit, were sued over their handling of underlying asbestos-related personal injury claims.

“This case alleges bad faith conduct that turns insurance protection into an investment in accrued and ongoing human suffering,” said the complaint filed Friday in the US District Court for the District of Montana. “Defendants are insurers that deliberately violate their settlement and medical cost payment duties to asbestos claimants even when there is clear liability for the medical expenses of these severely injured and dying claimants.”

The lawsuit was brought by the estates of two individuals ...