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9th Circuit Overturns $4M Verdict Against BNSF Railway

2/25/2026

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a jury verdict and nullified the $4 million award against BNSF Railway.
The case is part of ongoing asbestos lawsuits against BNSF tied to the vermiculite mine operated by W.R. Grace & Co. until 1990.
The court ruled BNSF, as a common carrier, was legally obligated to transport the material and was protected from strict liability.

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Story summary

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a jury verdict and nullified the $4 million award against BNSF Railway.
The case is part of ongoing asbestos lawsuits against BNSF tied to the vermiculite mine operated by W.R. Grace & Co. until 1990.
The court ruled BNSF, as a common carrier, was legally obligated to transport the material and was protected from strict liability.