Trial Against Buffett's Railroad Over Asbestos Deaths Begins

Overview

• A trial against BNSF Railway, owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, begins over deaths linked to asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana.
• The lawsuit involves the estates of Thomas Wells and Joyce Walder, who allege wrongful death due to community exposure to asbestos.
• Libby has seen hundreds of deaths and thousands sickened from asbestos exposure, linked to vermiculite mining and transportation by BNSF.
• The trial, presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris, is expected to last several weeks.
• BNSF is expected to argue against liability, citing federal limits on asbestos exposure and other potential sources of the plaintiffs' conditions.