Asbestos Claims Against Union Pacific Can Stay Together in Nebraska, Judge Rules

LINCOLN, Neb. — An asbestos suit brought by two former employees of Union Pacific Railroad Co. (NYSE:UNP) can remain in Nebraska federal court, despite efforts by the defendant to have the case severed and transferred to Iowa, where the plaintiffs primarily worked.

Judge Cheryl R. Zwart of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska ruled Oct. 5 that the plaintiffs’ choice of venue, which is also where Union Pacific is headquartered, was proper, and that their claims are sufficiently related to justify keeping them in the same suit.

Gary Blessing and Conrad Lindquist sued Union Pacific in Nebraska …